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
The composer opens the cage door for arithmetic, the draftsman gives geometry its freedom.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the role of artists in liberating mathematical concepts, allowing them to be expressed creatively.
Jean Cocteau's quote illustrates the interplay between art and mathematics, suggesting that while mathematics is often seen as rigid and confining, artists can provide an outlet for these disciplines, allowing them to flourish and be reimagined. The composer and draftsman metaphorically 'open the cage door,' granting freedom to arithmetic and geometry to be explored in innovative and abstract ways, thus bridging the gap between structure and creativity.
Themes
ArtMathematicsCreativityFreedomExpression
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the relationship between art and science, this quote could be used to illustrate how creativity enhances understanding.
More from Jean Cocteau
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All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it.
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Nothing ever gets anywhere. The earth keeps turning round and gets nowhere. The moment is the only thing that counts.
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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.
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Watch yourself all your life in a mirror and you'll see Death at work like bees in a glass hive.
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