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
Be a mere assistant to your unconscious. Do only half the work. The rest will do itself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Trust your instincts and let your subconscious mind guide your actions.
This quote by Jean Cocteau emphasizes the importance of allowing your subconscious mind to take over part of the creative process. By being a mere assistant to your unconscious, you can tap into deeper thoughts and feelings, enabling a more authentic and effortless expression of ideas and creativity.
Themes
UnconsciousCreativityInstinctsEffortTrust
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about embracing creativity, one might say, 'Remember, as Jean Cocteau said, be a mere assistant to your unconscious.'
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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