Western Civilization has been in a state of decline since the Edwardian age, say 1910. That was the height of Greco-Roman European civilization. Then there was the First World War. That was the beginning of the end. That civilization has… — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
“I am waiting for the meek to be blessed and inherit the earth... without taxes” — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
We have to raise the consciousness; the only way poets can change the world is to raise the consciousness of the general populace. — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
I didn’t know that painters and writers retired. They’re like soldiers – they just fade away. — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
I certainly was surprised to be named Poet Laureate of this far-out city on the left side of the world, and I gratefully accept, for as I told the Mayor, "How could I refuse?" I'd rather be Poet Laureate of San Francisco than anywhere because this city has always been a poetic center, a frontier for free poetic life, with… — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share
Paperbacks weren't considered real books in the book trade. Up till then it was just murder mysteries, potboilers, 25-cent pocket books sold in newsstands.… — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
The real literary editors have mostly been fired. Those that remain are all ottom line editors; everything depends on the money. — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
“Cast up the heart flops over gasping 'Love' a foolish fish which tries to draw its breath from flesh of air And no one… — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
The paintings may communicate even better because people are lazy and they can look at a painting with less effort than they can read… — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
Poetry can change the world, just like any art can change the world, by changing consciousness. Of course this was the great slogan of… — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
Almost every truly creative being alienated & expatriated in his own country — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
