"Let us beware of common folk, of common sense, of sentiment, of inspiration, and of the obvious"

Charles Baudelaire's statement is a cautionary advice directed towards the general acceptance of conventional wisdom and mediocrity that tend to constrain innovative thinking and creativity. It signifies a warning against unquestioned acceptance of what is deemed ordinary or standard, advocating instead for independent thought and originality.

When Baudelaire says, "Let us beware of common folk", he warns against the risks of conforming to the views of the masses. Common folk, in his view, tend to stick to established norms and traditions without questioning their validity. Such unwavering adherence to societal norms can stifle individuality and make room for complacency.

"Beware of common sense", is a warning against embracing traditional wisdom without critical examination. Common sense, for all its practicality, can sometimes hinder exploration and stymie the spirit of innovation. While it can serve as a guiding principle, it should not be the ultimate decision-maker in our lives.

Baudelaire's caution against sentiment reflects his understanding of human emotion's capacity to influence decisions or skew perceptions. He understood that an overreliance on sentiment could cloud judgment and lead to irrational decisions, distorting our perception of reality.

The noted poet's admonition against inspiration may alarm some; however, it addresses the tendency to mindlessly follow popular or persuasive ideas. He is not disavowing the concept of inspiration but warning against its passive acceptance without thoroughly understanding its source or its implications.

Lastly, when Baudelaire advises us to be wary of "the obvious", he encourages challenging perceptions, questioning reality, and examining the implicit. Here, he urges us to dig beyond surface-level understanding and simplistic perceptions, which often lead us to overlook complexities and intricacies inherent within most phenomena.

In essence, Baudelaire's statement encourages critical thinking, promoting the essentiality of individual thought and challenging traditional wisdom. It is a timeless reminder that questioning the ordinary and not accepting things at face value can cultivate a broader understanding and spark originality.