The greatest masterpiece in literature is only a dictionary out of order.

Quote by Jean Cocteau

Topics: Jean Cocteau Quotes

Asking an artist to talk about his work is like asking a plant to discuss...

Asking an artist to talk about his work is like asking a plant to discuss...

I believe in luck: how else can you explain the success of those you don't...

I believe in luck: how else can you explain the success of those you don't...

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...

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,...

Emotion resulting from a work of art is only of value when it is not...

Emotion resulting from a work of art is only of value when it is not...

Art is not a pastime but a priesthood.

Art is not a pastime but a priesthood.

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...

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

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

Children and lunatics cut the Gordian knot which the poet spends his life patiently trying...

Children and lunatics cut the Gordian knot which the poet spends his life patiently trying...

Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.

Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.

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

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

Poetry is indispensable - if I only knew what for.

Poetry is indispensable - if I only knew what for.

One must be a living man and a posthumous artist.

One must be a living man and a posthumous artist.

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.

The poet never asks for admiration; he wants to be believed.

The poet never asks for admiration; he wants to be believed.

A good upbringing consists in hiding how much you think of yourself, and how little...

A good upbringing consists in hiding how much you think of yourself, and how little...

The course of a river is almost always disapproved of by the source.

The course of a river is almost always disapproved of by the source.

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

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

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...

Life is a horizontal fall.

Life is a horizontal fall.