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Poetry and music I have banished, But the stupidity Of…

“Poetry and music I have banished, But the stupidity Of root, shoot, blossom or clay Makes no demand. I bend my body to the spade Or grope with a dirty hand.” quote by William Butler Yeats
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“Poetry and music I have banished, But the stupidity Of root, shoot, blossom or clay Makes no demand. I bend my body to the spade Or grope with a dirty hand.”

William Butler Yeats

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 rejects conventional art, embracing raw, earthy labor without expectation.

In simple terms: Rejects polished art for raw effort.

Key Takeaway

Value authentic work.

Themes

art authenticity labor

Mood

introspective earthy

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • manual work
  • creative process
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

existentialism creativity humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “root, shoot, blossom” mean to you?
  • How can labor be poetic?
A Different Perspective

May seem overly pessimistic.

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