Physique de l'Amour: Essai sur l'instinct sexuel

Name: Physique de l'Amour: Essai sur l'instinct sexuel
Author: Remy de Gourmont

By Remy de Gourmont

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About This Book

An extended essay situates human sexual psychology within the broader sexual life of animals, arguing for continuity rather than a hierarchical ascent. It surveys mating behaviors, sexual dimorphism, and selection across taxa, questions certain Darwinian emphases on human exceptionality and sexual selection, and treats fertilization as a conservative return to unity. Courtship rituals and female coyness are read as widespread reproductive strategies, while the human capacity for diverse aptitudes is presented as producing the practical semblance of freedom. The work emphasizes comparative observation of instincts and proposes parallel, contemporary mechanisms of love throughout dioecious species.

About the Author

Remy de Gourmont

Rémy de Gourmont was a French symbolist writer and critic, known for his exploration of themes related to love, aesthetics, and the nature of art. His literary contributions include novels, essays, and poetry, reflecting his deep engagement with the cultural currents of his time. One of his notable works, "A Night in the Luxembourg," showcases his unique style and philosophical insights. De Gourmont was also influential in the development of modernist literature, often blending elements of decadence with a keen intellectual rigor. His writings continue to resonate with readers interested in the intersections of literature and philosophy.