In Paris, everybody wants to be an actor; nobody is content to be a spectator.

Quote by Jean Cocteau

Topics: Jean Cocteau Quotes

A true poet does not bother to be poetical. Nor does a nursery gardener scent...

A true poet does not bother to be poetical. Nor does a nursery gardener scent...

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

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

Poetry is indispensable - if I only knew what for.

Poetry is indispensable - if I only knew what for.

Art is not a pastime but a priesthood.

Art is not a pastime but a priesthood.

An original artist is unable to copy. So he has only to copy in order...

An original artist is unable to copy. So he has only to copy in order...

The actual tragedies of life bear no relation to one's preconceived ideas. In the event,...

The actual tragedies of life bear no relation to one's preconceived ideas. In the event,...

You can't expect to be a lucky dog if you spend all your time growling

You can't expect to be a lucky dog if you spend all your time growling

Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.

Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.

There is always a period when a man with a beard shaves it off. This...

There is always a period when a man with a beard shaves it off. This...

Poets don't draw. They unravel their handwriting and then tie it up again, but differently.

Poets don't draw. They unravel their handwriting and then tie it up again, but differently.

I have a piece of great and sad news to tell you: I am dead.

I have a piece of great and sad news to tell you: I am dead.

Man seeks to escape himself in myth, and does so by any means at his...

Man seeks to escape himself in myth, and does so by any means at his...

Commissions suit me. They set limits. Jean Marais dared me to write play in which...

Commissions suit me. They set limits. Jean Marais dared me to write play in which...

The ear disapproves but tolerates certain musical pieces; transfer them into the domain of our...

The ear disapproves but tolerates certain musical pieces; transfer them into the domain of our...

All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects...

All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects...

The reward of art is not fame or success but intoxication: that is why so...

The reward of art is not fame or success but intoxication: that is why so...

I have lost my seven best friends, which is to say God has had mercy...

I have lost my seven best friends, which is to say God has had mercy...

A good writer possesses not only his own spirit but also the spirit of his...

A good writer possesses not only his own spirit but also the spirit of his...

Having friends is nice. Being there for someone is nice. Best of all having people...

Having friends is nice. Being there for someone is nice. Best of all having people...

When a man laughs at his troubles he loses a great many friends. They never...

When a man laughs at his troubles he loses a great many friends. They never...