More quotes by Jean Cocteau

"The poet doesn't invent. He listens."
"An artist cannot speak about his art any more than a plant can discuss horticulture."
"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."
"I believe in luck: how else can you explain the success of those you dislike?"
"Emotion resulting from a work of art is only of value when it is not obtained by sentimental blackmail."