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
You walk on corpses, beauty, undismayed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the idea of embracing beauty despite the harsh realities of life.
In this quote, Charles Baudelaire emphasizes the coexistence of beauty and death, suggesting that one can remain unshaken and appreciate beauty while acknowledging the darker aspects of existence. It highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to find elegance even in the most morbid circumstances.
Themes
BeautyDeathResilienceLifePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared at a poetry reading to inspire reflection on the 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.
Charles BaudelaireRead
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.
Charles BaudelaireRead
There is no sweeter pleasure than to surprise a man by giving him more than he hopes for.
Charles BaudelaireRead
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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