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We don't read and write poetry because it is cute. We read…

“We don't read and write poetry because it is cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love…” quote by Tom Schulman
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““We don't read and write poetry because it is cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote Whitman, 'O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?' Answer: That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?””

Tom Schulman

About This Quote

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

Poetry is essential to humanity, offering passion beyond practical pursuits.

In simple terms: Poetry fuels human passion beyond work.

Key Takeaway

Embrace creative expression.

Themes

art humanity passion

Mood

inspirational reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • personal development
  • creative writing
  • life philosophy

Key Concepts

poetry identity purpose

Questions to Reflect On

  • What verse will you contribute?
  • How does poetry shape your identity?
A Different Perspective

Practical demands often suppress art.

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