Skip to content

Bother Quote by Jean Cocteau

“A true poet does not bother to be poetical. Nor does a nursery gardener scent his roses.” quote by Jean Cocteau
Download Open image
“A true poet does not bother to be poetical. Nor does a nursery gardener scent his roses.”

Jean Cocteau

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Art of Poetry, 1935

True poets act naturally; forced artistry is unnecessary, like a gardener not needing to scent roses.

In simple terms: Poets should be authentic, not forced.

Key Takeaway

Embrace natural expression.

Themes

art authenticity creativity

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical creative

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • visual arts
  • teaching

Key Concepts

naturalism effortlessness aesthetic

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance authenticity and craft?
  • When is deliberate style valuable?
A Different Perspective

Authenticity may be misunderstood.

3.9 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Jean Cocteau

Explore all 255 Jean Cocteau quotes

More Bother quotes

Browse all 1,604 Bother quotes