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
Watch yourself all your life in a mirror and you'll see Death at work like bees in a glass hive.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that by observing ourselves continually, we become aware of the inevitability of death and the passage of time.
Jean Cocteau's quote metaphorically compares self-reflection to observing bees in a glass hive. It implies that when we introspect and take stock of our lives, we not only see the beauty of our existence, akin to the busy work of bees, but also the persistent reality of death, which operates quietly in the background, shaping our journey. It challenges us to consider how our awareness of mortality can influence our lives and choices.
Themes
DeathReflectionLifeMortalityAwareness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about living fully, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of being aware of our mortality.
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.
Jean CocteauRead
You've never seen death? Look in the mirror every day and you will see it like bees working in a glass hive.
Jean CocteauRead
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