The ear disapproves but tolerates certain musical pieces; transfer them into the domain of our nose, and we will be forced to flee.
Jean CocteauRead
The instinct of nearly all societies is to lock up anybody who is truly free. First, society begins by trying to beat you up. If this fails, they try to poison you. If this fails too, the finish by loading honors on your head.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on how societies often suppress true freedom through various means.
Jean Cocteau articulates a profound observation about the nature of freedom and the societal tendency to control it. Societies often respond to individuals who embody genuine freedom with hostility, first through aggression, then through more insidious means like manipulation or false praise. This highlights a paradox where the very traits that should be celebrated, such as independence and authenticity, are often met with resistance or attempts to conform individuals to societal expectations.
Themes
FreedomSocietyControlAuthenticityResistance
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about individuality, one might share this quote to emphasize the struggle against societal norms.
More from Jean Cocteau
All quotes →One must be a living man and a posthumous artist.
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All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it.
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Nothing ever gets anywhere. The earth keeps turning round and gets nowhere. The moment is the only thing that counts.
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Listen carefully to first criticisms made of your work. Note just what it is about your work that critics don't like - then cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual and worth keeping.
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Watch yourself all your life in a mirror and you'll see Death at work like bees in a glass hive.
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