Beauty Quote by Anonymous
““It was language I loved, not meaning. I liked poetry better when I wasn't sure what it meant. Eliot has said that the meaning of the poem is provided to keep the mind busy while the poem gets on with its work -- like the bone thrown to the dog by the robber so he can get on with his work. . . . Is beauty a reminder of something we once knew, with poetry one of its vehicles? Does it give us a brief vision of that 'rarely glimpsed bright face behind/ the apparency of things'? Here, I suppose, we ought to try the impossible task of defining poetry. No one definition will do. But I must admit to a liking for the words of Thomas Fuller, who said: 'Poetry is a dangerous honey. I advise thee only to taste it with the Tip of thy finger and not to live upon it. If thou do'st, it will disorder thy Head and give thee dangerous Vertigos.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Unspecified literary essay, unknown source
The speaker values poetry for its aesthetic and mystery, not for clear meaning, and warns against over‑indulgence in its intoxicating allure.
In simple terms: Poetry should be enjoyed for beauty, not over‑analyzed.
Key Takeaway
Savor poetry lightly, avoid becoming consumed.
Themes
beauty
poetry
interpretation
danger
mindfulness
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
literary
advisory
When to use this quote
- reading poetry
- creative writing
- literary criticism
- personal reflection
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
aesthetic experience
subjective meaning
intoxication
cognitive overload
Questions to Reflect On
- How does ambiguity enhance poetic impact?
- When should one seek meaning in art?
A Different Perspective
Over‑analysis can strip poetry of its mystery, and excessive indulgence may lead to confusion.
![“I saw [Allen Ginsberg] more as an old man who liked poetry and who had a lot of physical and emotional problems. We liked our time together.” quote by Ai Weiwei](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/19b/ai-weiwei-824_emotional_i-saw-allen-ginsberg-more-as-an-old-man_1627008.jpg)
