In a literal sense, the statement suggests that silence can have varying degrees of presence or absence depending on how one perceives it. It implies that when silence retreats or diminishes, its impact and noticeable quality seem to intensify quickly.
Looking deeper into this quote, Jean Cocteau might be playing with the concept of time perception and memory within the context of soundlessness. Silence, often seen as an absence of something (sound), paradoxically gains a stronger presence when it recedes or moves backwards in our minds. This could imply that moments of quietness become more significant after they have passed, perhaps because we long for them once they are gone. It also hints at the idea that silence can be a powerful force, even if intangible and imperceptible in its forward movement.
Jean Cocteau was a prolific French writer, designer, playwright, filmmaker, and critic whose work spanned multiple artistic disciplines throughout his career. He is well-known for contributions to surrealism and for his distinctive style that blended elements of the avant-garde with traditional storytelling techniques. His ability to craft provocative statements like this one underscores his influence not only in visual arts but also in literature and philosophy.
