Hello, Ernest

HELLO, ERNEST. - French writer, b. at Lorient on 4 Nov. 1828, d. there on 15 Apr. 1885. He practiced law for a short time, then devoted himself to philosophical and theological studies, retiring to the castle of Kéroman, where he spent the rest of his life. His activity as essayist, narrator, philosopher and Christian apologist found expression in books that were misunderstood by most.

He published: Physionomie des Saints (Paris 1858); M. Renan, l'Allemagne et l'athéisme au XIXᵉ siècle (ibid. 1858);

M. Renan et la Vie de Jésus (ibid. 1863); L'homme (ibid. 1872); Les paroles de Dieu (ibid. 1877); Du néant à Dieu (2 vols., ibid. 1921). And moreover several versions of the works of the mystics (Ruysbroeck, Angela of Foligno, etc.). A powerful writer, mystical, at times apocalyptic, he reacted against the ideas of the century with a determination equal to the ardor of the Church's adversaries. A close friend of L. Veuillot, he was like him intransigent, though without his polemical vigor and without taking part in public life. In L'homme he gave a Christian interpretation of existence through a series of analyses of the life, science and art of his century. Particularly noteworthy in this work is the persistent polemic against the mediocre man, the one who is always deferential toward public opinion, respectful toward his fellow man who has achieved "celebrity," the one who considers Christianity "useful" but in his heart hates it and would like to deny it with "perfumed words," the one who feels repugnance for Catholicism judged too intransigent and sympathy for Protestantism held to be "more moderate."