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
When a work appears to be ahead of its time, it is only the time that is behind the work.
Interpretation
Innovative ideas may seem out of place until society catches up to them.
This quote by Jean Cocteau suggests that when groundbreaking work is created, it often takes time for society to appreciate its significance. Instead of the work being flawed or misplaced, it is rather the society that is lagging behind, highlighting the gap between human creativity and societal acceptance or understanding.
In practice
This quote could be shared in a lecture about the evolution of art and acceptance.
The ear disapproves but tolerates certain musical pieces; transfer them into the domain of our nose, and we will be forced to flee.
One must be a living man and a posthumous artist.
All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it.
Nothing ever gets anywhere. The earth keeps turning round and gets nowhere. The moment is the only thing that counts.
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.
Watch yourself all your life in a mirror and you'll see Death at work like bees in a glass hive.
The world is his who has money to go over it.
EXISTENCE, n. A transient, horrible, fantastic dream,/ Wherein is nothing yet all things do seem:/ From which we're wakened by a friendly nudge/ Of our bedfellow Death, and cry: "O fudge!"
It is his nature, not his standing, that makes the good man.
ATHENA: There are two sides to this dispute. I've heard only one half the argument. (...) So you two parties, summon your witnesses, set out your proofs, with sworn evidence to back your stories. Once I've picked the finest men in Athens, I'll return. They'll rule fairly in this case, bound by a sworn oath to act with justice.
The Soviet government is the most realistic regime in the world - no ideals.
Man lives in only one small room of the enormous house of his consciousness.
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