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
I have lost my seven best friends, which is to say God has had mercy on me seven times without realizing it. He lent a friendship, took it from me, sent me another.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the transient nature of friendships and the blessings we receive from them.
Jean Cocteau's quote expresses the idea that friendships are often temporary and that each friendship can be seen as a gift from a higher power. Losing friends can be painful, but it also suggests a cycle of new friendships and divine mercy that continues in our lives, even when we don't realize it. It adopts a profound perspective on loss and appreciation for the connections we make.
Themes
FriendshipLossTransienceMercyConnections
In practice
Example use cases
In a eulogy, when reflecting on the value of friendships lost.
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.
Jean CocteauRead
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.
Jean CocteauRead
Watch yourself all your life in a mirror and you'll see Death at work like bees in a glass hive.
Jean CocteauRead
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Yes, we must ever be friends; and of all who offer you friendship Let me be ever the first, the truest, the nearest and dearest.
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I'd rather trust nine people and have the 10th one stab me in the back. I'd take that fall in order to have those nine friendships or working relationships instead of having none. That's not living.
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Is that the basis of friendship? Is it as reactive as that? Do we respond only to people who seem to find us interesting?... Do we all buzz or ring or light up when people press our vanity buttons, and only then? Can I think of anyone in my whole life whom I have liked without his first showing signs of liking me?
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Strangers are exciting, their mystery never ends. But, there's nothing like looking at your own history in the faces of your friends.
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Paramahansa YoganandaRead