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
Everything for me becomes allegory
Interpretation
This quote suggests that the speaker views all experiences as symbolic representations of deeper meanings.
Charles Baudelaire's quote 'Everything for me becomes allegory' reflects the idea that he perceives the world around him not just as it is, but as a series of symbols and metaphors that convey greater truths about life, emotions, and existence. It implies a deep philosophical perspective where the mundane is transformed into profound narratives, indicating a search for meaning beyond the surface.
In practice
In a discussion about literature at a book club, one might use this quote to emphasize how authors convey deeper messages through their narratives.
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.
Truth will do well enough if left to shift for herself. She seldom has received much aid from the power of great men to whom she is rarely known and seldom welcome. She has no need of force to procure entrance into the minds of men.
I'm afraid of losing my obscurity. Genuineness only thrives in the dark. Like celery.
It seems to me that every phenomenon, every fact, itself is the really interesting object. Whoever explains it, or connects it with other events, usually only amuses himself or makes sport of us, as, for instance, the naturalist or historian. But a single action or event is interesting, not because it is explainable, but because it is true.
If a woman possesses manly virtues one should run away from her; and if she does not possess them she runs away from herself.
Holiness has nothing to do with what we know and everything to do with Who we know.
The sad duty of politics is to establish justice in a sinful world.
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