Charles Baudelaire: 'Let us beware of common folk, of common sense, of sentiment, of inspiration, and of the obvious.'

Let us beware of common folk, of common sense, of sentiment, of inspiration, and of the obvious.

In the realms of art, literature, and philosophy, there are often discussions surrounding the concepts of commonness, common sense, sentiment, inspiration, and the obvious. These are the topics that Charles Baudelaire invites us to beware of in his thought-provoking quote. At first glance, Baudelaire's words might seem puzzling, but upon closer examination one can uncover a deeper meaning and understand the significance of his warning regarding the ordinary and the expected.Baudelaire's quote encourages us to be cautious of the common folk, often viewed as the majority or the masses. It implies that their perspectives, ideas, and taste might lack the depth and originality that can be found in the unconventional and exceptional. By cautioning against common sense, Baudelaire challenges the notion of relying solely on conventional wisdom and encourages us to question established norms and seek alternative viewpoints.Similarly, Baudelaire warns against sentiment, which can sometimes be seen as a surface-level emotion that lacks complexity and intellectual depth. He urges us to move beyond sentiment and explore the deeper layers of human experience. Further, his aversion to inspiration seems contrary to common belief. Inspiration, after all, is often considered a driving force behind creativity and innovation. However, Baudelaire encourages us to be wary of relying too heavily on inspiration as it can lead to mere imitation or replication rather than genuine creativity.Lastly, Baudelaire advises us to be wary of the obvious. In a world inundated with information and opinions, it is easy to fall into the trap of accepting the obvious without critically analyzing or challenging it. By urging us to beware of the obvious, Baudelaire pushes us to delve deeper, to question assumptions, and to unravel hidden truths.These warnings might seem daunting, as they encourage us to step away from what is familiar and comfortable. However, they offer a valuable insight into the pursuit of true artistic, intellectual, and emotional discovery. They prompt us to think deeply, to seek the extraordinary, and to challenge ourselves to go beyond what is merely ordinary or expected.But what if we take Baudelaire's notion of caution further and explore the concept of "creative extremism"? While Baudelaire encourages us to distance ourselves from the common and the obvious, creative extremism pushes us to embrace the unconventional, the obscure, and the unexpected. It challenges us to think outside the boundaries of traditional norms and to dive headfirst into the realms of the extraordinary.Creative extremism, as a concept, prompts artists, thinkers, and individuals to actively seek out the uncommon, the abstract, and the baffling. It compels us to venture beyond the safety of comfort zones and to explore the uncharted territories of our imagination. By embracing creative extremism, we can break free from societal constraints, open new pathways for discovery, and inspire fresh perspectives that defy the ordinary.While Baudelaire's quote emphasizes caution and aversion to the common and obvious, creative extremism suggests a more daring approach. It encourages the deliberate rejection of the ordinary and aims for the extraordinary, not only in art and literature, but in all aspects of life. While both caution and creative extremism promote the pursuit of originality and deeper understanding, they differ in the willingness to venture into uncharted territories.In conclusion, the quote by Charles Baudelaire serves as a reminder to be wary of the common, the obvious, and the expected. It urges us to question established norms, challenge conventional wisdom, and explore the depths of human experience beyond the confines of sentiment and inspiration. While Baudelaire's cautionary message is clear, the concept of creative extremism invites us to embrace the extraordinary and push the boundaries of imagination. By balancing caution with a willingness to explore uncharted territories, we can establish a creative path that leads to genuine innovation, depth, and originality in all endeavors.