Meaning: The quote "But a dandy can never be a vulgar man" is attributed to the French poet Charles Baudelaire. Baudelaire was a prominent figure in the 19th-century literary scene and is best known for his poetry collection "Les Fleurs du mal" (The Flowers of Evil). This quote reflects Baudelaire's fascination with the concept of the dandy, a figure who embodies a particular kind of elegance and refinement.

The term "dandy" originally emerged in the late 18th century and referred to a man who placed great emphasis on his personal style and appearance. The dandy was characterized by impeccable grooming, sophisticated fashion sense, and a penchant for luxury. However, the essence of dandyism extended beyond mere sartorial elegance; it encompassed a certain attitude and demeanor that set the dandy apart from the ordinary.

Baudelaire's assertion that a dandy can never be a vulgar man encapsulates the idea that true dandyism is not merely about outward appearances, but also about maintaining a sense of dignity and grace. While the dandy may be preoccupied with aesthetics and refinement, he does so with an air of sophistication and self-assuredness that elevates him above crassness or vulgarity.

The dandy, as envisioned by Baudelaire and other proponents of dandyism, is a figure of paradoxes. On the one hand, he is excessively concerned with his own appearance and presentation, often bordering on narcissism. Yet, at the same time, the dandy is imbued with an aura of nonchalance and indifference to conventional standards. He is not beholden to societal norms but rather asserts his individuality and independence through his style and manner.

Baudelaire's fascination with the dandy can be seen as a reflection of his broader interest in the complexities of human nature. The dandy embodies a tension between artifice and authenticity, between surface glamour and inner substance. By asserting that a dandy can never be a vulgar man, Baudelaire suggests that the essence of dandyism lies in transcending base instincts and embracing a more refined, elevated mode of existence.

Moreover, Baudelaire's own poetic sensibility and artistic vision are closely aligned with the ethos of dandyism. His exploration of beauty, decadence, and the allure of the forbidden aligns with the dandy's rejection of the mundane and embrace of the extraordinary. Baudelaire's poetry often delves into the darker aspects of human experience, and his fascination with the dandy may stem from a recognition of the duality inherent in the human psyche.

In conclusion, the quote "But a dandy can never be a vulgar man" encapsulates Charles Baudelaire's fascination with the concept of dandyism and its implications for notions of elegance, refinement, and individuality. Through this assertion, Baudelaire elevates the dandy to a symbol of sophistication and grace, emphasizing the paradoxical nature of dandyism and its enduring allure.