Man seeks to escape himself in myth, and does so by any means at his disposal. Drugs, alcohol, or lies. Unable to withdraw into himself, he disguises himself. Lies and inaccuracy give him a few moments of comfort. – Jean Cocteau
An original artist is unable to copy. So he has only to copy in order to be original. – Jean Cocteau
When a work appears to be ahead of its time, it is only the time that is behind the work. – Jean Cocteau
All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it. – Jean Cocteau
The shortest way out of Manchester is notoriously a bottle of Gordons gin; out of any businessmans life there is the mirage of Paris; out of Paris, or mediocrity of talent and imagination, there are all the drugs, from subtle, all-conquering opium to cheating, cozening cocaine. – William Bolitho