Jean Cocteau Quotes

Art produces ugly things which frequently become more beautiful with time. Fashion, on the other hand, produces beautiful things which always become ugly with time.

Jean Cocteau

Art is a marriage of the conscious and the unconscious.

Jean Cocteau

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

Jean Cocteau

An artist cannot speak about his art any more than a plant can discuss horticulture.

Jean Cocteau

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

Jean Cocteau

Since the day of my birth, my death began its walk. It is walking toward me, without hurrying.

Jean Cocteau

You've never seen death? Look in the mirror every day and you will see it like bees working in a glass hive.

Jean Cocteau

I have lost my seven best friends, which is to say God has had mercy on me seven times without realizing it. He lent a friendship, took it from me, sent me another.

Jean Cocteau

Life is a horizontal fall.

Jean Cocteau

All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it.

Jean Cocteau

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

Jean Cocteau

The poet is a liar who always speaks the truth.

Jean Cocteau

A film is a petrified fountain of thought.

Jean Cocteau

I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul.

Jean Cocteau

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

Jean Cocteau

The poet doesn't invent. He listens.

Jean Cocteau