That which is not slightly distorted lacks sensible appeal; from which it follows that irregularity β that is to say, the unexpected, surprise and astonishment, are a essential part and characteristic of beauty.
Charles BaudelaireRead
Nearly all our originality comes from the stamp that time impresses upon our sensibility.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our creativity is shaped by our experiences and the passage of time.
This quote by Charles Baudelaire suggests that the uniqueness of our thoughts and artistic expressions is deeply influenced by our personal experiences and the effects of time. It implies that originality is not merely an innate trait but is forged through the myriad of moments and changes we encounter in life, which leave an indelible mark on our sensibilities and perceptions.
Themes
OriginalityTimeSensibilityCreativityExperience
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the influences on art, you can cite this quote to illustrate how experiences shape creativity.
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All quotes βThe dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music, and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable. Dancing is poetry with arms and legs.
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Who among us has not dreamt, in moments of ambition, of the miracle of a poetic prose, musical without rhythm and rhyme, supple and staccato enough to adapt to the lyrical stirrings of the soul, the undulations of dreams, and sudden leaps of consciousness.
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There is no sweeter pleasure than to surprise a man by giving him more than he hopes for.
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The priest is an immense being because he makes the crowd believe astonishing things.
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I consider it useless and tedious to represent what exists, because nothing that exists satisfies me. Nature is ugly, and I prefer the monsters of my fancy to what is positively trivial.
Charles BaudelaireRead
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