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
Genius is nothing more nor less than childhood recaptured at will.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Genius involves the ability to tap into the creativity and wonder of childhood whenever desired.
This quote by Charles Baudelaire suggests that true genius lies in the capacity to harness the imaginative and unrestrained spirit of childhood on command. It emphasizes the importance of retaining a sense of wonder and curiosity that often fades with adulthood, implying that those who can access this inner child possess a unique creative power that fuels their genius.
Themes
GeniusChildhoodCreativityImaginationWonder
In practice
Example use cases
This quote would make a great addition to a speech about creativity in education.
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.
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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.
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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