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 joy of youth is to disobey; but the trouble is that there are no longer any orders.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Youth often finds joy in rebellion, but without clear guidance, this disobedience can lead to confusion.
Jean Cocteau's quote highlights the paradox of youth: while young people relish in the idea of defying authority and breaking rules, the absence of established norms or orders leaves them directionless. This evokes a sense of both freedom and chaos, as the youthful spirit seeks to express itself but finds itself adrift in a world lacking structure.
Themes
YouthDisobedienceFreedomGuidanceChaos
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote during a youth empowerment seminar to highlight the importance of guidance.
More from Jean Cocteau
All quotes βOne 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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