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
“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
The future of publishing lies with the small and medium-sized presses, because the big publishers in New York are all part of huge conglomerates. — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
The art has to make it on its own, without explanations, and it’s the same for poetry. If the poem or the painting has… — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
There is an ecstatic mechanism in birds that makes them fly upwards in spite of worms. — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
