In Plato's republic, poets were considered subversive, a danger to the republic. I kind of relish that role. So I see my present role as a gadfly, to use my soapbox to promote my various ideas and obsesions. — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
This is all very nice, because the ideas that Jack and the Beat generation stood for are needed today more than ever. But I'm not so interested in nostalgia. I'm interested in the future. — 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,… — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
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
