That which is not slightly distorted lacks sensible appeal; from which it follows that irregularity β that is to say, the unexpected, surprise and astonishment, are a essential part and characteristic of beauty.
Charles BaudelaireRead
Genius is nothing more or less than childhood recovered by will, a childhood how equipped for self-expression with an adult's capacities.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Genius involves reclaiming the creativity and openness of childhood while utilizing the skills and understanding of adulthood.
This quote by Charles Baudelaire suggests that true genius is not merely an innate talent but rather the ability to access the imaginative and curious qualities of childhood. It emphasizes the importance of harnessing adult skills and capacities to express one's ideas and creativity, indicating that the essence of genius lies in a blend of youthful wonder and mature insight.
Themes
GeniusChildhoodCreativitySelf-ExpressionAdult Capacities
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a creative workshop to inspire participants.
More from Charles Baudelaire
All quotes βThe dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music, and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable. Dancing is poetry with arms and legs.
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Who among us has not dreamt, in moments of ambition, of the miracle of a poetic prose, musical without rhythm and rhyme, supple and staccato enough to adapt to the lyrical stirrings of the soul, the undulations of dreams, and sudden leaps of consciousness.
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There is no sweeter pleasure than to surprise a man by giving him more than he hopes for.
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The priest is an immense being because he makes the crowd believe astonishing things.
Charles BaudelaireRead
I consider it useless and tedious to represent what exists, because nothing that exists satisfies me. Nature is ugly, and I prefer the monsters of my fancy to what is positively trivial.
Charles BaudelaireRead
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