Skip to content

Eye Quote by Jean Cocteau

“The eyes of the dead are closed gently; we also have to open gently the eyes of the living.” quote by Jean Cocteau
Download Open image
“The eyes of the dead are closed gently; we also have to open gently the eyes of the living.”

Jean Cocteau

About This Quote

Source Poem: "The Eyes of the Dead", 1935

We must gently close the eyes of those who have died and also gently open the eyes of those still living, encouraging awareness.

In simple terms: Close dead eyes gently, open living eyes gently.

Key Takeaway

Treat loss with care and stay present.

Themes

grief mindfulness

Mood

somber hopeful

Type

poetic reflective

When to use this quote

  • funeral rites
  • counseling
  • mindful living
  • support groups

Key Concepts

philosophy empathy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “opening eyes” mean to you?
  • How can gentle awareness aid healing?
A Different Perspective

Some may resist confronting reality or feel overwhelmed.

2.5 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Jean Cocteau

Explore all 255 Jean Cocteau quotes

More Eye quotes

Browse all 16,238 Eye quotes