Salvador Dali

Surrealist painter

Modern influential 108 sayings

Sayings by Salvador Dali

Life is too short to remain unnoticed.

Undated, approximate mid-20th century — A statement reflecting his desire for fame and impact.
Philosophical Unverifiable

If you understand a painting beforehand, you might as well not paint it.

Undated, approximate mid-20th century — Reflecting on the intuitive and exploratory nature of creation.
Philosophical Unverifiable

For me, love must be ugly, looks must be divine, and death must be beautiful.

Undated, approximate mid-20th century — A paradoxical and aesthetic view of fundamental concepts.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Man cannot change or escape his time. The eye sees the present and the future.

Undated, approximate mid-20th century — A philosophical observation on time and perception.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Genius has to pass over madness and madness over genius.

Undated, approximate mid-20th century — Reflecting on the thin line between genius and insanity.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Who knows how to taste wine never drinks wine again, but tastes secrets instead.

Undated, approximate mid-20th century — A poetic statement on deeper understanding and experience.
Philosophical Unverifiable

A painting is such a minor thing compared to the magic I radiate.

Undated, approximate mid-20th century — Underscoring his belief in his own larger-than-life persona.
Philosophical Unverifiable

Before I was born it was completely paradise… the moment of [being] born is the moment the paradise is lost.

Undated, approximate mid-20th century — A philosophical reflection on birth and loss of innocence.
Philosophical Unverifiable