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Who rejected the Nobel Prize in Literature?

Published in Literature 1 min read

Only one person has ever rejected the Nobel Prize in Literature: Jean-Paul Sartre.

The French philosopher and writer declined the award in 1964, citing his aversion to official honors and institutions. He believed that accepting the prize would compromise his artistic integrity and independence.

Sartre's decision sparked considerable debate, with some criticizing his refusal as arrogant and others praising his principled stand.

Despite his rejection, Sartre remains one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century, known for his existentialist philosophy and groundbreaking works like Nausea and Being and Nothingness.

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