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
Even if it were proven that God didn't exist, Religion would still be Saintly and Divine.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that religion holds intrinsic value and meaning regardless of the existence of God.
In this quote, Baudelaire emphasizes the profound significance of religion in human life, asserting that religion embodies divine qualities and moral guidance even if the concept of God were to be discredited. It highlights the idea that the practices, community, and ethical teachings associated with religion contribute to its sacredness and importance in society.
Themes
ReligionExistenceGodFaithDivineSpirituality
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on the importance of religion in society, one might refer to Baudelaire's quote to support the idea that religion has inherent value.
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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.
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