With me poetry has been not a purpose, but a passion; and…
“With me poetry has been not a purpose, but a passion; and the passions should be held in reverence: they must not they cannot at will be excited, with an eye to the paltry compensations, or the more paltry commendations, of mankind.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Poetry should be driven by deep reverence, not superficial rewards or praise, urging authentic passion over fleeting acclaim.
In simple terms: Poetry needs sincere reverence, not shallow rewards.
Cultivate genuine love for art.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing
- teaching
- personal reflection
- creative practice
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you keep your creative drive pure?
- What rewards are truly meaningful?
Superficial praise can still tempt artists.