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
The priest is an immense being because he makes the crowd believe astonishing things.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The priest possesses great power because he can instill extraordinary beliefs in people.
In this quote, Baudelaire highlights the significant influence of a priest or spiritual leader on the collective consciousness of a community. The ability of the priest to evoke profound beliefs demonstrates the profound connection between faith, authority, and the beliefs held by individuals within a crowd, suggesting that such influence can shape societies and their values.
Themes
PriestBeliefInfluenceCrowdAuthority
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on the effect of leadership in religious contexts.
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Poetry and progress are like two ambitious men who hate one another with an instinctive hatred, and when they meet upon the same road, one of them has to give place.
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