Art of writing Quote by Bashō Matsuo
““In this mortal frame of mine which is made of a hundred bones and nine orifices there is something, and this something is called a wind-swept spirit for lack of a better name, for it is much like a thin drapery that is torn and swept away at the slightest stir of the wind. This something in me took to writing poetry years ago, merely to amuse itself at first, but finally making it its lifelong business. It must be admitted, however, that there were times when it sank into such dejection that it was almost ready to drop its pursuit, or again times when it was so puffed up with pride that it exulted in vain victories over the others. Indeed, ever since it began to write poetry, it has never found peace with itself, always wavering between doubts of one kind and another. At one time it wanted to gain security by entering the service of a court, and at another it wished to measure the depth of its ignorance by trying to be a scholar, but it was prevented from either because of its unquenchable love of poetry. The fact is, it knows no other art than the art of writing poetry, and therefore, it hangs on to it more or less blindly.””
About This Quote
Source Poetry: Personal Reflections, Bashō Matsuo, 17th century
The poet’s spirit, likened to wind‑swept fabric, is torn between pride and doubt, yet remains devoted to poetry despite hardships.
In simple terms: Poet’s spirit is fragile, torn, yet committed to poetry.
Key Takeaway
Embrace your art despite doubts and pride.
Themes
art
identity
pride
doubt
commitment
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- writing career
- artistic blocks
- academic pursuits
- court service
Key Concepts
literature
philosophy
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your artistic devotion?
- How do you balance pride and humility?
A Different Perspective
Pride can blind self‑assessment; doubt can stall progress.
