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
My dear brothers, never forget, when you hear the progress of enlightenment vaunted, that the devil's best trick is to persuade you that he doesn't exist!
Interpretation
Beware of deception; the idea that evil does not exist can be its most persuasive trick.
This quote by Charles Baudelaire emphasizes the insidious nature of evil and deception. It serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and aware of the darker forces that might influence our lives, even when they are not immediately visible. Ignoring the existence of such forces can lead to complacency, making it easier for them to manipulate and control us.
In practice
In a speech about moral integrity, one might quote Baudelaire to highlight the importance of recognizing the existence of evil.
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.
The 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.
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.
There is no sweeter pleasure than to surprise a man by giving him more than he hopes for.
The priest is an immense being because he makes the crowd believe astonishing things.
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.
The great enemy of knowledge is not error, but inertness. All that we want is discussion; and then we are sure to do well, no matter what our blunders may be. One error conflicts with another, each destroys its opponent, and truth is evolved.
Open your mouth and shut your eyes and see what Zeus will send you.
It is the highest manifestation of the power of Vairagya when it takes away even our attraction towards the qualities.
He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven.
Knowledge has value only insofar as it contributes to the all-round development of the whole nature of man.
I will never say something I don't agree with or believe in... even if the reward is massive!
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.