"A frenzied passion for art is a canker that devours everything else"

This quote by Charles Baudelaire is a warning against the threats of ending up being too consumed with art. He is suggesting that when one becomes too enthusiastic about art, it can consume their life and take precedence over other essential elements of life. Baudelaire is cautioning against allowing art to end up being an intense passion, as it can result in disregarding other crucial elements of life such as relationships, work, and health. He is suggesting that art should be valued and enjoyed, but not to the point where it becomes a frenzied enthusiasm that takes control of one's life. Baudelaire is alerting that if art is permitted to become a canker, it can feast on everything else in one's life. He is suggesting that art ought to be valued and taken pleasure in, however not to the point where it becomes an unhealthy fixation.