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
Today I felt pass over me A breath of wind from the wings of madness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the fleeting sensation of insanity and the ephemeral nature of inspiration. It suggests an encounter with the chaotic yet creative forces of the mind.
In this quote, Baudelaire depicts a moment where he experiences an unusual and powerful inspiration, described as a 'breath of wind from the wings of madness.' This metaphor illustrates how creativity can sometimes feel like a chaotic force that passes over an individual, highlighting the fine line between sanity and the wild abandon of artistic expression. It invites contemplation on the nature of inspiration and the ways it can disrupt our ordinary perceptions of reality.
Themes
InspirationMadnessCreativityPhilosophyArt
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the nature of artistic inspiration.
More from Charles Baudelaire
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.
Charles BaudelaireRead
The priest is an immense being because he makes the crowd believe astonishing things.
Charles BaudelaireRead
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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You can tell the greatness of a man by what makes him angry
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I feel my griefs too, and there scarce is ground Upon my flesh t'inflict another wound. Yet dare I not complain, or wish for death With holy Paul; lest it be thought the breath Of discontent; or that these prayers be For weariness of life, not love of thee.
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Though the object of being a Great Power is to be able to fight a Great War, the only way of remaining a Great Power is not to fight one.
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