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Jean Cocteau was a French poet, novelist, playwright, and filmmaker. He was a major figure in the Parisian avant-garde of the 1920s and 1930s, and his works have had a lasting influence on literature and art. Cocteau was a master of the written word, and his quotes are often inspirational and thought-provoking. Here are some of his most memorable sayings. Jean Cocteau was a French poet, playwright, and filmmaker who left behind an impressive legacy of artistic works. His quotes are equally inspiring and thought-provoking, offering insights into life, art, and creativity.One of his most famous quotes is 'Art is a lie that makes us realize truth.' This quote speaks to the power of art to reveal deeper truths about ourselves and the world around us. It reminds us that sometimes it takes something fictional or imaginary to help us see reality more clearly.Another notable quote from Cocteau is 'The poet doesn't invent. He listens.' This quote highlights the importance of being receptive to inspiration and ideas as they come to you. It suggests that creativity isn't necessarily about coming up with something entirely new but rather about being open to what's already there.If you're looking for more inspirational quotes like these, be sure to check out our other collections such as importance of being earnest quotes or Bruce Kovner Quotes . These collections feature some of the most insightful and motivational sayings from some of history's greatest thinkers.
On Life and Love
Cocteau was a romantic, and his quotes often reflect his love of life and love. He wrote:
- 'Love is a springtime plant that perfumes everything with its hope, even the ruins to which it clings.'
- 'The day of my birth, my death began its walk. It is walking toward me, without hurrying.'
- 'The extreme limit of wisdom, that's what the public calls madness.'
On Art and Creativity
Cocteau was a passionate advocate for the arts, and his quotes often reflect his love of creativity and art. He wrote:
- 'Art produces ugly things which frequently become more beautiful with time. Fashion, on the other hand, produces beautiful things which always become ugly with time.'
- 'Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.'
- 'The poet is a liar who always speaks the truth.'
On Writing and Language
Cocteau was a master of the written word, and his quotes often reflect his love of language and writing. He wrote:
- 'Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.'
- 'A true poet does not bother to be poetical. Nor does a nursery gardener scent his roses.'
- 'Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.'
On Life and Death
Cocteau was a realist, and his quotes often reflect his understanding of life and death. He wrote:
- 'Life is a horizontal fall.'
- 'Death is a vertical take-off.'
- 'The day of my birth, my death began its walk. It is walking toward me, without hurrying.'
On Fame and Success
Cocteau was a successful artist, and his quotes often reflect his understanding of fame and success. He wrote:
- 'Success is a monster that cannot be tamed.'
- 'Fame is the sum of misunderstandings that gather around a new name.'
- 'The extreme limit of wisdom, that's what the public calls madness.'
On Beauty and Nature
Cocteau was a lover of beauty and nature, and his quotes often reflect his appreciation of the natural world. He wrote:
- 'Beauty is a precious trace that eternity causes to appear to us and that it takes away from us. A manifestation of eternity, and a sign of death as well.'
- 'The day of my birth, my death began its walk. It is walking toward me, without hurrying.'
- 'The extreme limit of wisdom, that's what the public calls madness.'
Jean Cocteau's quotes are often inspirational and thought-provoking. His words reflect his love of life and art, and his understanding of fame and success. His quotes are a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life, and of the importance of creativity and art.
Whether you are a fan of Cocteau's work or not, his quotes are sure to inspire and challenge you. Take a moment to reflect on his words and let them guide you on your journey through life.