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About this quote

What does it mean?
Cocteau describes a paradoxical personality combining immense presence with innocence and restless energy.
In plain terms
Someone can seem huge and wise yet still appear childlike and relaxed.
What can you take from it?
True charisma blends strength with vulnerability and quiet introspection.

Where it applies

  • character analysis
  • biographical notes
  • artistic portraits

Putting it to work

  • describe complex figures
  • analyze artistic personas
  • identify leadership traits

Questions to consider

  • How do physical traits reflect inner complexity?
  • What defines a truly unique presence?

Another view

The phrasing is abstract and relies on subjective interpretation of behavior.

More from Jean Cocteau

  1. Don't for a moment believe He was killing the young; He was costuming angels.

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  2. There are too many souls of wood not to love those wooden characters who do indeed have a soul.

    Permalink to quote #30
  3. I have lost my seven best friends, which is to say God has had mercy on me seven times without realizing it. He lent a friendship, took it from me, sent me ano…

    Permalink to quote #27

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