Jean Cocteau quotes - page 3

Such is the role of poetry. It unveils, in the strict sense of the word. It lays bare, under a light which shakes off torpor, the surprising things which surround us and which our senses record mechanically. (Jean Cocteau)
The reward of art is not fame or success but intoxication: that is why so many bad artists are unable to give it up. View quote
Jean Cocteau
He has the manner of a giant with the look of a child, a lazy activeness, a mad wisdom, a solitude encompassing the world. View quote
Jean Cocteau
Wealth is an inborn attitude of mind, like poverty. The pauper who has made his pile may flaunt his spoils, but cannot wear them plausibly. View quote
Jean Cocteau
Mirrors should reflect a little before throwing back images. View quote
Jean Cocteau
If an addict who has been completely cured starts smoking again he no longer experiences the discomfort of his first addiction. There exists, therefore, outside alkaloids and habit, a sense for opium, an intangible habit which lives on, despite the recasting of the organism. The dead drug leaves a ghost behind. At certain hours it haunts the house. View quote
Jean Cocteau
Don't for a moment believe He was killing the young; He was costuming angels. View quote
Jean Cocteau
Mirrors should think longer before they reflect. View quote
Jean Cocteau
We shelter an angel within us. We must be the guardians of that angel. View quote
Jean Cocteau
Beauty cannot be recognized with a cursory glance. View quote
Jean Cocteau
Understand that some of your enemies are amongst your best friends. (Jean Cocteau)
Do not take up cause against the inaccuracies printed about you. They are your protection. View quote
Jean Cocteau
The skin of all of us is responsive to gypsy songs and military marches. View quote
Jean Cocteau
Be a constant outrage to modesty There is nothing to fear: modesty is exercised only among the blind. View quote
Jean Cocteau
Do as the beautiful woman: see to your figure and your petticoats. Though, of course, I am not speaking literally. View quote
Jean Cocteau
Poetry is a religion without hope. The poet exhausts himself in its service, knowing that, in the long run, a masterpiece is nothing but the performance of a trained dog on very shaky ground. View quote
Jean Cocteau
That pile of paper on his left side went on living like the watch on a dead soldier's wrist. View quote
Jean Cocteau
Be a mere assistant to your unconscious. Do only half the work. The rest will do itself. View quote
Jean Cocteau
He who is affected by an insult is infected by it. View quote
Jean Cocteau
The ultimate politeness in art consists of speaking only to those who are able to uncover and measure its relationships. Anything else is symbolic, and symbolism is merely transcendental imagery. View quote
Jean Cocteau
Look out! Be on your guard, because alone of all the arts, music moves all around you. (Jean Cocteau)
Compromise yourself. Obscure your own trail. View quote
Jean Cocteau
Respect movements, flee schools. View quote
Jean Cocteau
One is either judge or accused. The judge sits, the accused stands. Live on your feet. View quote
Jean Cocteau
Do not fear being ridiculous in relation to the ridiculous. View quote
Jean Cocteau