Ever reviled, accursed, ne'er understood, Thou art the…
““Ever reviled, accursed, ne'er understood, Thou art the grisly terror of our age. "Wreck of all order," cry the multitude, "Art thou, & war & murder's endless rage." 0, let them cry. To them that ne'er have striven The 'truth that lies behind a word to find, To them the word's right meaning was not given. They shall continue blind among the blind. But thou, O word, so clear, so strong, so true, Thou sayest all which I for goal have taken. I give thee to the future! Thine secure When each at least unto himself shall waken. Comes it in sunshine? In the tempest's thrill? I cannot tell - but it the earth shall see! I am an Anarchist! Wherefore I will Not rule, & also ruled I will not be!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poet declares anarchism, rejecting authority and embracing the power of words to inspire future change despite chaos.
In simple terms: Anarchism rejects authority, valuing powerful words.
Key Takeaway
Use language to inspire change, not domination.
Themes
politics
anarchism
language
rebellion
Mood
defiant
inspirational
Type
political
literary
When to use this quote
- protests
- manifestos
- artistic movements
Key Concepts
philosophy of freedom
literary activism
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can words enact real change?
- What limits exist for non‑hierarchical societies?
A Different Perspective
Anarchism may face practical challenges.