Who said “When a work appears to be ahead of its time, it is only the time that is behind the work.”?

Verified

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

SourceLe Coq et l’Arlequin (1918)

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For academic work, cite the original where you can: Le Coq et l’Arlequin (1918).

APA

Cocteau, J. (n.d.). When a work appears to be ahead of its time, it is only the time that is behind the work. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27891-when-a-work-appears-to-be-ahead-of/

MLA

Cocteau, Jean. “When a work appears to be ahead of its time, it is only the time that is behind the work.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27891-when-a-work-appears-to-be-ahead-of/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Cocteau, Jean. “When a work appears to be ahead of its time, it is only the time that is behind the work.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27891-when-a-work-appears-to-be-ahead-of/.

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