It is difficult to live without opium after having known it because it is difficult, after knowing opium, to take earth seriously. And unless one is a saint, it is difficult to live without taking earth seriously.

Beauty makes one lose one's head. Poetry is born of this decapitation

I only fear the death of others. For me, true death is that of the people I love

A true poet does not bother to be poetical. Nor does a nursery gardener scent his roses.

Be a mere assistant to your unconscious. Do only half the work. The rest will do itself.

Do not take up cause against the inaccuracies printed about you. They are your protection.

When I write, I disturb. When I show a film, I disturb. When I exhibit my painting, I disturb, and I disturb if I don't. I have a knack for disturbing.