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
The immense appetite we have for biography comes from a deep-seated sense of equality.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our fascination with biographies reflects our inherent belief in equality among individuals.
Charles Baudelaire's quote suggests that the reason we are drawn to biographies is tied to our understanding of equality; we are interested in the lives of others because we recognize that everyone, regardless of their status, shares fundamental human experiences and struggles. This appetite for knowledge about others allows us to connect with their stories and recognize our own humanity in them.
Themes
BiographyEqualityHuman ExperienceConnectionStories
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used during a book club discussion on the importance of biographies.
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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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