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

Quote by Jean Cocteau

Topics: Jean Cocteau Quotes

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...

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

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

Art is not a pastime but a priesthood.

Art is not a pastime but a priesthood.

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?

Everything one does in life, even love, occurs in an express train racing toward death....

Everything one does in life, even love, occurs in an express train racing toward death....

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...

Here I am trying to live, or rather, I am trying to teach the death...

Here I am trying to live, or rather, I am trying to teach the death...

True realism consists in revealing the surprising things which habit keeps covered and prevents us...

True realism consists in revealing the surprising things which habit keeps covered and prevents us...

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.

If it has to choose who is to be crucified, the crowd will always save...

If it has to choose who is to be crucified, the crowd will always save...

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...

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

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

Whatever the public blames you for, cultivate it; it is yourself

Whatever the public blames you for, cultivate it; it is yourself

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

Take a commonplace, clean it and polish it, light it so that it produces the...

Take a commonplace, clean it and polish it, light it so that it produces the...

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 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.

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...

Film will only became an art when its materials are as inexpensive as pencil and...

Film will only became an art when its materials are as inexpensive as pencil and...

A film is a petrified fountain of thought.

A film is a petrified fountain of thought.