The lesson of Jean d'Ormesson

Le Regard Libre N° 35 - Jonas Follonier

«All the happiness in the world lies in the unexpected,» wrote a man whose sense of wonder was overwhelming. That man was Jean d'Ormesson, whose death in December seemed strangely unexpected.

Indeed, we should have been prepared for it, even more so than for Johnny Hallyday's departure the following day. But it wasn't possible; Jean d'Ormesson and the joy he exuded had become too much a part of our lives for us to imagine a world without them.

Nevertheless, it's not unhappiness that wins us over. No, although a few tears may blur our TV sets, Jean seems to be watching us from up there, letting us know with a smile and sky-blue eyes that there's no point in lamenting and that life is beautiful, even in the worst of circumstances.

Jean d'Ormesson had the courage to live up to this credo, despite his privileged status, which could have made him illegitimate. Both on television and in his literary work, he is remembered as a joker with a profound lesson in life.

Write to the author : jonas.follonier@leregardlibre.com

Photo credit: © Laurent Bleuze / RTS