WIST Quotations

Cocteau, Jean -- “Le Coq et l’Arlequin” (1918), Le Rappel à l’ordre (1926)

Dave — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:41:17 +0000

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

[S’il faut choisir un crucifié, la foule sauve toujours Barabbas.]

Jean Cocteau (1889–1963) French writer, filmmaker, artist
“Le Coq et l’Arlequin” (1918), Le Rappel à l’ordre (1926)

Cocteau, Jean -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

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

Jean Cocteau (1889–1963) French writer, filmmaker, artist
(Attributed)

Cocteau, Jean -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

I feel there is an angel within me whom I am constantly shocking.

Jean Cocteau (1889–1963) French writer, filmmaker, artist
(Attributed)

Cocteau, Jean -- New York World-Telegram & Sun (21 Aug. 1960)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

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

Jean Cocteau (1889–1963) French writer, filmmaker, artist
New York World-Telegram & Sun (21 Aug. 1960)

Cocteau, Jean -- Comment (1955)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

We must believe in luck. For how else can we explain the success of those we don’t like?

Jean Cocteau (1889–1963) French writer, filmmaker, artist
Comment (1955)

On his election to Académie Française. Other translations: "Of course I believe in luck. How else does one explain the successes of one's enemies?"

Cocteau, Jean -- Quoted in Newsweek (16 May 1955)

Dave — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 22:51:59 +0000

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

Jean Cocteau (1889–1963) French writer, filmmaker, artist
Quoted in Newsweek (16 May 1955)