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
Let us beware of common folk, of common sense, of sentiment, of inspiration, and of the obvious.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote warns against the tendencies of conventional thinking and the blind acceptance of what is commonly believed.
In this quote, Charles Baudelaire expresses a cautionary stance towards the thoughts and feelings that are widely accepted as common sense or sentiment. He suggests that such mainstream ideas may not necessarily lead to true understanding or innovation, urging individuals to question the supposedly obvious and seek deeper truths beyond societal norms.
Themes
Common SenseBewareInspirationObviousWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on creativity vs. conformity, this quote could highlight the need to challenge societal norms.
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.
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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.
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