"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's quote speaks with the inherent human tendency to seek haven from the intricacies and pains of self-awareness. The phrase "Man looks for to leave himself in misconception" suggests that people often turn to fantastical stories or constructed realities as a way of distancing themselves from their real selves or the harsh truths of their existence. Myths, in this context, are not simply grand stories of gods and heroes, but any made stories that provide solace or interruption.

Cocteau even more elaborates that humans utilize "any methods at his disposal" to achieve this escape, pointing out "drugs, alcohol, or lies" as examples. These substances and habits work as momentary escapes or crutches, pathways to a transformed state of reality where the concerns of self-awareness are temporarily eased. This suggests an extensive discomfort with dealing with one's unfiltered truth and a tendency to use external help to modify consciousness and understanding.

The declaration "Unable to withdraw into himself, he disguises himself" highlights a perceived failure or hesitation to take part in introspection or self-confrontation. Rather of seeking solace and understanding within, people might pick to mask their real selves with false personalities or deceptive narratives. These disguises can use short-term "minutes of convenience", as Cocteau notes, however they are eventually developed on "lies and inaccuracy". This implies that the convenience derived is not just short lived however also potentially hazardous, as it is rooted in deception.

Cocteau's words reflect a crucial view of humanity's dependence on escapism to cope with existential facts. It recommends that real comfort and peace might only be obtainable through authentic self-acceptance and facing truth, instead of through short-lived and typically devastating escapes. The quote welcomes contemplation on the balance in between the need for periodic escape and the importance of authentic self-exploration and acceptance.