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
If a given combination of trees, mountains, water, and houses, say a landscape, is beautiful, it is not so by itself, but because of me, of my favor, of the idea or feeling I attach to it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Beauty in nature is subjective and depends on personal perception and feelings.
This quote by Charles Baudelaire emphasizes the idea that beauty is not an inherent quality of landscapes such as trees, mountains, water, and houses, but rather a reflection of the viewer's emotions and thoughts. It suggests that one's appreciation of beauty is a personal experience shaped by individual favor and emotional response.
Themes
BeautyPerceptionLandscapeNatureSubjective
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about art appreciation, one might say this quote to highlight the subjective nature of beauty.
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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