Quotes by Jean Cocteau

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.

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

Emotion resulting from a work of art is only of value when it is not obtained by sentimental blackmail.

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

Art is a marriage of the conscious and the unconscious.

Art is not a pastime but a priesthood.

The reward of art is not fame or success but intoxication: that is why so many bad artists are unable to give it up.

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.

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

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