The public only takes up yesterday as a stick to beat today

The public only takes up yesterday as a stick to beat today

Jean Cocteau, a French artist known for his work in film, literature, and visual arts, once said, "The public only takes up yesterday as a stick to beat today." This quote speaks to the tendency of society to hold onto the past and use it as a means of criticizing or judging the present. In the context of Cocteau's work and life, this sentiment can be seen as a reflection of his own experiences with the public's reception of his art.

Throughout his career, Cocteau faced both praise and criticism for his innovative and avant-garde approach to art. His work often pushed boundaries and challenged traditional norms, leading some to view him as a controversial figure. In this sense, the public's tendency to use the past as a weapon against the present can be seen in their reluctance to embrace Cocteau's groundbreaking work.

Cocteau's quote also speaks to the broader issue of nostalgia and the romanticization of the past. In a society that is constantly bombarded with images and information from the past, it can be easy to fall into the trap of idealizing a time that no longer exists. This can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction with the present and a desire to return to a perceived "golden age" that may never have truly existed.