Jean Cocteau Quotes & Sayings (Page 2)

“Man seeks to escape himself in myth, and does so by any means at his disposal. Drugs, alcohol, or lies. Unable to withdraw into himself, he disguises himself. Lies and inaccuracy give him a few moments of comfort.”

“I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul.”

“Emotion resulting from a work of art is only of value when it is not obtained by sentimental blackmail.”

“The extreme limit of wisdom, that's what the public calls madness.”

“When a work appears to be ahead of its time, it is only the time that is behind the work.”

“A true poet does not bother to be poetical. Nor does a nursery gardener scent his roses.”

“The reward of art is not fame or success but intoxication: that is why so many bad artists are unable to give it up.”

“After the writer's death, reading his journal is like receiving a long letter.”

“I believe in luck: how else can you explain the success of those you dislike?”

“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.”