The Flowers of Evil is a renowned collection of poetry written by Charles Baudelaire, a French poet, in the mid-19th century. This collection is considered a masterpiece of modern literature and has had a profound impact on subsequent generations of poets and writers. The Flowers of Evil explores themes of beauty, decay, and the darkness that resides within human nature. Throughout the collection, Baudelaire presents a series of profound and thought-provoking quotes that continue to resonate with readers to this day.
Read these The Flowers of Evil quotes
“I have more memories than if I’d lived a thousand years.”
“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.”
“The finest trick of the devil is to persuade you that he does not exist.”
“Always be a poet, even in prose.”
“It is necessary to work, if not from inclination, at least from despair. Everything considered, work is less boring than amusing oneself.”
“The world only goes round by misunderstanding.”
“You have to be always drunk. That’s all there is to it—it’s the only way. So as not to feel the horrible burden of time that breaks your back and bends you to the earth, you have to be continually drunk.”
“To be away from home and yet to feel oneself everywhere at home; to see the world, to be at the centre of the world, and yet to remain hidden from the world.”
“Evil is committed without effort, naturally, fatally; goodness is always the product of some art.”
“The lover of life makes the whole world into his family, just as the lover of the fair sex creates his from all the lovely women he has found, from those that could be found, and those who are impossible to find.”
“The more you exploit yourself, the more you are exploited.”
“The man who says his evening prayer is a captain posting his sentinels. He can sleep.”
“What is art? Prostitution.”
“The dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music, and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable. Dancing is poetry with arms and legs.”
“Genius is nothing more nor less than childhood recaptured at will.”
“To love is to give one’s time, one’s heart, and one’s soul, without expecting anything in return.”
“It is in the womb of art that the future of the world is gestating.”
“What strange phenomena we find in a great city, all we need do is stroll about with our eyes open. Life swarms with innocent monsters.”
“One should always be drunk. That’s all that matters…But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you choose. But get drunk.”
“The man who says his morning prayer is a captain posting his sentinels. He can sleep.”
“I am a cemetery full of kisses.”
These quotes from The Flowers of Evil showcase the depth and complexity of Baudelaire’s work. They delve into the human condition, highlighting the duality of good and evil that resides within us all. Whether exploring the dark depths of our desires or the beauty found in art and love, Baudelaire’s words continue to captivate readers and inspire contemplation.
As you immerse yourself in the world of The Flowers of Evil, these quotes serve as a reminder of the timeless wisdom and introspection that can be found within the pages of this remarkable collection. From the exploration of human nature to the celebration of art, Baudelaire’s words have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. So, take a moment to delve into these quotes and let them guide you through the labyrinth of emotions and thoughts that Baudelaire so eloquently presents in The Flowers of Evil.
