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
One should always be drunk. That's all that matters...But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you chose. But get drunk.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in passions or virtues to escape reality.
Charles Baudelaire's quote suggests that the essence of life lies in becoming intoxicated by passionsβbe it through wine, art, or noble ideals. It reflects a philosophy that encourages individuals to seek what brings them joy and fulfillment, urging them to become 'drunk' with experiences that inspire and elevate the spirit, rather than merely going through the motions of existence.
Themes
PassionVirtueArtPoetryIntoxicationLife
In practice
Example use cases
During a toast at a wedding to encourage love and passion.
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.
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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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