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
Oh, Creator! Can monsters exist in the sight of him who alone knows how they were invented, how they invented themselves, and how they might not have invented themselves?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the nature of creation and existence, questioning how beings with monstrous characteristics come into being.
In this thought-provoking quote, Baudelaire grapples with the paradox of creation and existence, pondering the idea that a higher creator or force may understand the complexities of existence, including the origins of both monstrous beings and the potential for self-creation. It invites contemplation of the nature of good and evil, as well as the limitations of human understanding regarding the forces at play in the universe.
Themes
CreationExistenceMonstersPhilosophyUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophical discussion about morality and existence, one might use this quote to illustrate the complexity of understanding creation and self-identity.
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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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