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The reward of art is not fame or success but intoxication: that is why so many bad artists are unable to give it up.
Jean Cocteau
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The true value of art lies in the personal experience and pleasure it brings, rather than external recognition or acclaim.

Jean Cocteau's quote highlights the intrinsic reward of creating art, emphasizing that the joy and passion derived from the process itself outweighs societal measures of success like fame. It suggests that the compulsion to create often comes from an emotional or spiritual 'intoxication' rather than the pursuit of accolades, which is why some artists continue to create despite lacking widespread acknowledgment or commercial success.

Themes

ArtIntoxicationSuccessCreativityPassion

In practice

Example use cases

During an art exhibition, one might refer to this quote to emphasize the passion behind the artist's work.

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The ear disapproves but tolerates certain musical pieces; transfer them into the domain of our nose, and we will be forced to flee.
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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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