Octavian Paler (July 2, 1926–May 7, 2007) was a Romanian writer, politician, journalist and civil society activist.
Paler was born in Lisa, Braşov County. After completing his secondary studies at Spiru Haret High School in Bucharest, he studied Philosphy and Law at the University of Bucharest.
In a 2006 poll conducted by Romanian Television to identify the "greatest Romanians of all time", he came in 91st.