Mirrors should think longer before they reflect

Mirrors should think longer before they reflect

Jean Cocteau, a French artist, poet, and filmmaker, once famously said, "Mirrors should think longer before they reflect." This quote encapsulates Cocteau's belief in the power of self-reflection and the importance of introspection before projecting oneself onto the world.

In Cocteau's works, mirrors often serve as symbols of self-awareness and self-examination. They reflect not only physical appearances but also inner thoughts and emotions. Cocteau believed that mirrors have the ability to reveal truths about oneself that may be hidden or overlooked. However, he also recognized the potential dangers of self-reflection without proper consideration.

When Cocteau suggests that mirrors should think longer before they reflect, he is cautioning against the impulse to project an unexamined self onto others. He believed that true self-awareness requires careful reflection and introspection before one can truly understand and accept oneself. By taking the time to think before reflecting, one can avoid projecting a false or distorted image of oneself onto the world.