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Salvador Dalí, a trailblazer of the Surrealist movement, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic artists in history. Yet his creative reach extended well beyond the realm of visual art. From theater productions to films, fashion, photography, and even architecture, the Catalonian-born genius was a true polymath. His philosophical musings also left a significant mark, as illustrated by the quotes below.
1. On Aspirations:
“When I was 6, I dreamed of becoming a cook. At 7, I wished to be Napoleon. My ambitions have only continued to grow since then.”
2. On 'The Sacred Nature of Mustaches':
“As I don’t smoke, I opted to grow a mustache—it’s healthier that way. Yet, I always carried a jewel-encrusted cigarette case, which, instead of tobacco, contained several mustaches, in the style of Adolphe Menjou. I would offer them politely to my friends: ‘Mustache? Mustache? Mustache?’ None of them dared to take one. This was my test of the sacred nature of mustaches.”
3. On an Artist’s Responsibility:
Salvador Dalí, 1964. | Terry Fincher/GettyImages“A true artist is not someone who seeks inspiration, but someone who ignites inspiration in others.”
4. On the Impossibility of Achieving Perfection:
“Don’t fear perfection—you will never attain it.”
5. On Embracing the Dalí Identity:
“Every morning when I wake, I feel a profound joy—the joy of being Salvador Dalí—and I eagerly ask myself: What incredible things will this Salvador Dalí accomplish today?”
6. On the Power of Ambition:
Salvador Dalí, 1951. | George Konig/GettyImages“Intelligence without ambition is like a bird without wings.”
7. On Drugs:
“I don’t use drugs. I am drugs.”
8. On the Nature of Memories:
“The difference between false memories and true ones is akin to that of jewels: it’s always the false ones that appear the most authentic, the most dazzling.”
9. On Conformity:
Salvador Dalí, 1955. | Hulton Deutsch/GettyImages“I am not odd. I am simply not ordinary.”
10. On Accepting Mistakes:
“Mistakes are nearly always of a sacred nature. Never attempt to fix them. Instead, rationalize them, fully comprehend them. Once that is achieved, you’ll be able to transform them.”
11. On the Value of Imitation:
“Those who refuse to imitate anything, produce nothing.”
12. On Welcoming Joy:
Salvador Dalí, 1973. | Ulf Andersen/GettyImages“There are some days when I feel I might die from an overdose of contentment.”
13. On Poetry and Foolishness:
“The first person to compare a young woman’s cheeks to a rose was clearly a poet; the first to repeat it was probably a fool.”
14. On the Appeal of Mystery:
“People are drawn to mystery, and that’s why they are captivated by my paintings.”
15. On the True Measure of Achievement:
Salvador Dalí, 1958. | Keystone/GettyImages“The thermometer of success is simply the envy of the dissatisfied.”
16. On Elitism:
“To earn lasting respect in society, if you are truly talented, it’s a good idea to deliver, early in your youth, a strong kick to the right shin of the society you adore. After that, be a snob.”
17. On Discovering Your Unique Style:
“Start by mastering the techniques of the old masters. After that, you’re free to do as you please; everyone will admire you.”
18. On Keeping Mysteries:
Salvador Dalí, 1973. | Keystone/GettyImages“The key to my influence has always been that it stayed hidden.”
19. On Surrealism:
“Surrealism is destructive, but it only destroys what it deems to be chains confining our vision.”
20. On the Nature of Good Taste:
“It is good taste, and good taste alone, that has the ability to sterilize and is always the first obstacle to any creative expression.”
21. On the Integrity of Drawing:
Salvador Dalí, 1906. | Apic/GettyImages“Drawing is the purest form of art. There is no room for deceit. It’s either good or bad.”
22. On the Struggles of Laundry:
“It’s better to have loved and lost than to be stuck doing 40 pounds of laundry a week.”
23. On Maintaining a Sense of Humor:
“The public doesn’t need to know whether I’m joking or being serious, just as I don’t need to know it myself.”
24. On the Chaos of Creativity:
Salvador Dalí, 1961. | Archivio Cameraphoto Epoche/GettyImages“The only difference between a madman and myself is that the madman believes he is sane, whereas I am fully aware of my madness.”
25. On Art Influencing Reality:
“I don’t paint a portrait to make it resemble the person, rather, the person gradually comes to resemble their portrait.”
