Who said “Man seeks to escape himself in myth, and does so by any means at his disposal. Drugs,…”?

Verified

Jean Cocteau. A published source records them saying or writing it.

Source"On Invisibility" in Diary of an Unknown (1953)

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“Man seeks to escape himself in myth, and does so by any means at his disposal. Drugs, alcohol, or lies. Unable to withdraw into himself, he disguises himself. Lies and inaccuracy give him a few moments of comfort.”
— Jean Cocteau
Verified"On Invisibility" in Diary of an Unknown (1953) · evidenceEscapism

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: "On Invisibility" in Diary of an Unknown (1953).

APA

Cocteau, J. (n.d.). Man seeks to escape himself in myth, and does so by any means at his disposal. Drugs, alcohol, or lies. Unable to withdraw into himself, he disguises himself. Lies and inaccuracy give him a few moments of comfort. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/15010-man-seeks-to-escape-himself-in-myth-and/

MLA

Cocteau, Jean. “Man seeks to escape himself in myth, and does so by any means at his disposal. Drugs, alcohol, or lies. Unable to withdraw into himself, he disguises himself. Lies and inaccuracy give him a few moments of comfort.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/15010-man-seeks-to-escape-himself-in-myth-and/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Cocteau, Jean. “Man seeks to escape himself in myth, and does so by any means at his disposal. Drugs, alcohol, or lies. Unable to withdraw into himself, he disguises himself. Lies and inaccuracy give him a few moments of comfort.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/15010-man-seeks-to-escape-himself-in-myth-and/.

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