573 Quotes by Charles Baudelaire

Let us beware of common folk, of common sense, of sentiment, of inspiration, and of the obvious.

As a remedy against all ills; poverty, sickness, and melancholy only one thing is absolutely necessary; a liking for work.

My concern today is with the painting of manners of the present. The past is interesting not only by reason of the beauty which could be distilled from it by those artists for whom it was the present, but also precisely because it is the past, for its historical value. It is the same with the present. The pleasure which we derive from the representation of the present is due not only to the beauty with which it can be invested, but also to its essential quality of being present

Nature is a temple, where the living Columns sometimes breathe confusing speech; Man walks within these groves of symbols, each Of which regards him as a kindred thing.

Anybody, providing he knows how to be amusing, has the right to talk about himself.

A breath of wind from the wings of madness.

Evil is done without effort, naturally, it is the working of fate; good is always the product of an art

To glorify the cult of images (my great, my only, my primitive passion).

The Poet is a kinsman in the clouds Who scoffs at archers, loves a stormy day; But on the ground, among the hooting crowds, He cannot walk, his wings are in the way.