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
We must believe in luck. For how else can we explain the success of those we don't like?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the irony of attributing success to luck, especially when we observe it in individuals we may not personally favor.
Jean Cocteau's quote underscores a common human tendency to dismiss the achievements of others we dislike by attributing their success to mere luck rather than acknowledging their hard work or talent. This statement provokes reflection on our biases and challenges us to consider that success is often multifaceted, influenced by a combination of effort, opportunity, and yes, sometimes even luck. It serves as a reminder to evaluate our perceptions and not to reduce others' accomplishments to fortune alone.
Themes
LuckSuccessBiasHuman NatureAchievement
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a motivational speech to encourage people to recognize the hard work behind every success story.
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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