The ear disapproves but tolerates certain musical pieces; transfer them into the domain of our nose, and we will be forced to flee.
Jean CocteauRead
Beauty cannot be recognized with a cursory glance.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True beauty requires deeper observation and understanding.
This quote by Jean Cocteau suggests that beauty is not something that can be fully appreciated or understood with a fleeting look; rather, it demands time and contemplation to reveal its true essence. It invites us to slow down and engage more profoundly with the world around us to uncover the layers of beauty that lie beneath the surface.
Themes
BeautyObservationArtUnderstandingDepth
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of art in education, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for deep engagement with artistic works.
More from Jean Cocteau
All quotes →One must be a living man and a posthumous artist.
Jean CocteauRead
All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it.
Jean CocteauRead
Nothing ever gets anywhere. The earth keeps turning round and gets nowhere. The moment is the only thing that counts.
Jean CocteauRead
Listen carefully to first criticisms made of your work. Note just what it is about your work that critics don't like - then cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual and worth keeping.
Jean CocteauRead
Watch yourself all your life in a mirror and you'll see Death at work like bees in a glass hive.
Jean CocteauRead
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Today the artist has inherited the combined functions of hermit, pilgrim, prophet, priest, shaman, sorcerer, soothsayer, alchemist.
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