Jean Cocteau Quotes

A picture neither saddening nor gladdening I fear; neither beautiful nor ugly.

The obstinate miner
of the void
exploits
his fertile mine

Writing is an act of love. If it is not it is only handwriting. It consists in obeying the driving force of plants and trees and in broadcasting sperm far around us.

The richness of the world is in its wastefulness.

J'aime les chats parce que j'aime ma maison. Et qu'ils en deviennent peu à peu l'âme visible.

One of the characteristics of the dream is that nothing surprises us in it.

I constantly regretted having to cut out bits of intense poetry. But one mustn't, at any cost, be seduced by an attractive idea if it hasn't got its right place.

Le hasard, c'est la forme que Dieu prend pour passer incognito.

When I think of all the books I have yet to read, I am sure that I am still happy.

To be moved confuses the soul. One cannot convey these kinds of memories any more than the events of a dream...
...if I have complained too long, it is because my memory, no longer having any fixed abode, has to carry its luggage with it.

Poetry is a machine that manufactures love. Its other virtues escape me.

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

Without resistance you can do nothing.

Jeannot la bêtise des amoureux est immense, végétale, animale, astrale. Que faire? Comment te faire comprendre que je n'existe plus en dehors de toi.

Each day in the mirror I watch death at work.

« Un beau livre, c'est celui qui sème à foison les points d'interrogation. »