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
I believe in luck: how else can you explain the success of those you dislike?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Luck often seems to play a role in the success of those we may not admire.
This quote by Jean Cocteau highlights the sometimes arbitrary nature of success, suggesting that luck can influence outcomes in life. It emphasizes a humorous perspective on how easy it is to attribute the success of others, particularly those we might not favor, to luck rather than their talent or hard work, revealing our biases and perceptions about success.
Themes
LuckSuccessPerceptionHumorBias
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a discussion on the role of luck in the workplace.
More from Jean Cocteau
All quotes βOne must be a living man and a posthumous artist.
Jean CocteauRead
All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it.
Jean CocteauRead
Nothing ever gets anywhere. The earth keeps turning round and gets nowhere. The moment is the only thing that counts.
Jean CocteauRead
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
Watch yourself all your life in a mirror and you'll see Death at work like bees in a glass hive.
Jean CocteauRead
Similar quotes
Our actions are in our own hands, but the consequences of them are not. Remember that, my dear, and think twice before you do anything.
Louisa May AlcottRead
We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom. The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely.
E. O. WilsonRead
Whoever will cultivate their own mind will find full employment. Every virtue does not only require great care in the planting, but as much daily solicitude in cherishing as exotic fruits and flowers; the vices and passions (which I am afraid are the natural product of the soil) demand perpetual weeding. Add to this the search after knowledge. . . and the longest life is too short.
Mary Wortley MontaguRead
Be patient and understanding. Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious.
Phillips BrooksRead
There is plenty of time to argue with new ideas later. They key is to take careful notes first and debate second.
Jim RohnRead
Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.
Victor HugoRead