"Love is at the same time the least philosophical and the most impertinent of passions."
Andre Breton's quote suggests that love, while being a profound and deeply-felt emotion, often defies philosophical analysis or rational understanding. Love's complexities and idiosyncrasies can make it seem unreasonable or even absurd when scrutinized from an objective standpoint. Despite its inexplicability, love remains a universal passion that transcends logical reasoning, making it both the most intimate and the most irresistible of human experiences.
"Surrealism is destructive, but it destroys only what it considers to be unworthy."
Andre Breton's quote "Surrealism is destructive, but it destroys only what it considers to be unworthy" highlights the transformative nature of Surrealism as an artistic movement. It indicates that Surrealism seeks to challenge established norms, beliefs, and societal structures, and in doing so, discards or demolishes aspects deemed limiting or stifling to creativity and individual expression. The destructive force of Surrealism is not capricious; instead, it serves a higher purpose, aiming only at the liberation and elevation of thought, feelings, and human potential beyond the confines of conventional understanding and reality.
"I maintain that the future belongs to surrealism, for I see in it not a simple literary or artistic movement, but a general conception of life which will one day be realized."
This quote by André Breton suggests that Surrealism, a cultural movement emphasizing the irrational, is not just limited to literature and art, but represents a comprehensive philosophy about life. Breton believed that this perspective on life, characterized by its emphasis on the unconscious mind, dreams, and fantasy, would eventually become a reality in society at large. Essentially, he was predicting that Surrealism's ideas would shape future societies, transforming them to reflect the movement's emphasis on the irrational and imagination over reason and logic.
"To be surrealist is not at all an innate quality, but rather a state of mind that can be attained by anyone."
This quote emphasizes that the essence of being Surrealist is not about one's inherent qualities or talents but rather a mental disposition that can be acquired by any individual. It suggests that the ability to perceive and interpret reality in an unconventional, irrational, and dreamlike manner – key elements of Surrealism – can be developed through personal growth, curiosity, and exploration. In essence, Breton encourages us to challenge conventional thinking and explore the realm of the absurd, fantastical, and unexpected to tap into our own inner surrealist.
"The purpose of a collection of works of art is not solely to decorate apartments and private rooms... It is above all to saturate the consciousness of mankind with a sense of the beautiful and to heighten it, in order to make it possible for him to find joy in the earthly paradise which surrounds us."
Andre Breton's quote emphasizes that art is more than just decoration; its primary purpose transcends beautifying living spaces. Instead, art serves a deeper function: to enrich human consciousness with an appreciation of beauty. This heightened sense of beauty, in turn, allows individuals to find joy and savor the earthly paradise that exists around them. In essence, Breton argues that art is instrumental in cultivating a deeper connection between humans and their environment.
If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.