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
Without opium, plans, marriages and journeys appear to me just as foolish as if someone falling out of a window were to hope to make friends with the occupants of the room before which he passes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that without a certain escape or dream (symbolized by opium), various life pursuits seem futile.
Jean Cocteau's quote reflects the idea that in the absence of dreams or desires (represented metaphorically by opium), ordinary ambitions such as relationships, professional plans, and life journeys lose their significance and appear absurd. It speaks to the human tendency to seek meaning and connection, and how that search can feel pointless without the impetus of dreams or the highs of imagination.
Themes
DreamsPlansRelationshipsAbsurdityLife
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about pursuing dreams and aspirations, this quote can illustrate a point about the importance of hope.
More from Jean Cocteau
All quotes →One 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.
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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.
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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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