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Written poetry is worth reading once, and then should be…

“Written poetry is worth reading once, and then should be destroyed. Let the dead poets make way for others. Then we might even come to see that it is our veneration for what has already been created, however beautiful and valid it may be, that petrifies us.” quote by Antonin Artaud
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“Written poetry is worth reading once, and then should be destroyed. Let the dead poets make way for others. Then we might even come to see that it is our veneration for what has already been created, however beautiful and valid it may be, that petrifies us.”

Antonin Artaud

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote argues that poetry should be consumed once and then discarded, to make room for new voices, critiquing reverence for the past that stifles innovation.

In simple terms: Read poetry once, then discard to allow new voices.

Key Takeaway

Embrace new creative works over old reverence.

Themes

art innovation tradition

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • literary criticism
  • art education
  • publishing
  • creative workshops

Key Concepts

cultural criticism creative cycles

Questions to Reflect On

  • What value does revisiting classic poetry hold?
  • How can we balance honoring the past with fostering new art?
A Different Perspective

May undervalue the lasting impact and learning from classic works.

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