That which is not slightly distorted lacks sensible appeal; from which it follows that irregularity – that is to say, the unexpected, surprise and astonishment, are a essential part and characteristic of beauty.
Charles BaudelaireRead
It is unfortunately very true that, without leisure and money, love can be no more than an orgy of the common man. Instead of being a sudden impulse full of ardor and reverie, it becomes a distastefully utilitarian affair.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Without leisure and financial stability, love can lose its depth and become purely transactional.
In this quote, Baudelaire suggests that love, at its core, requires more than mere emotional connection; it also necessitates the freedom provided by leisure time and financial resources. When these elements are lacking, love may devolve into a superficial interaction motivated by practicality rather than a passionate or profound bond, highlighting the complexities and societal structures that influence romantic relationships.
Themes
LoveLeisureMoneyRelationshipsPassion
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the pressures of modern relationships, one might use this quote to highlight how external factors affect love.
More from Charles Baudelaire
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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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