--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: On the one hand poetry is useless. It…" description: "\"On the one hand poetry is useless. It can't change the world materially. On the other hand it is a basic part of human existence. It came into the worl..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e30/bei-dao-38500_being-human_on-the-one-hand-poetry-is-useless-it-can_294488.png" --- # On the one hand poetry is useless. It can't change the… ![“On the one hand poetry is useless. It can't change the world materially. On the other hand it is a basic part of human existence. It came into the world when humans did. It's what makes human beings human.” quote by Bei Dao](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e30/bei-dao-38500_being-human_on-the-one-hand-poetry-is-useless-it-can_294488.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e30/bei-dao-38500_being-human_on-the-one-hand-poetry-is-useless-it-can_294488.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e30/bei-dao-38500_being-human_on-the-one-hand-poetry-is-useless-it-can_294488.png) > “On the one hand poetry is useless. It can't change the world materially. On the other hand it is a basic part of human existence. It came into the world when humans did. It's what makes human beings human.” [Bei Dao](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bei-dao/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Poetry may not change material reality but is essential to humanity’s essence. **In simple terms:** Poetry is vital to being human. Key Takeaway Value artistic expression. Themes art human nature existential meaning Mood thoughtful reflective Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - education - mental health - creative writing Key Concepts poetry cultural identity Questions to Reflect On - How does poetry influence personal growth? - Can artistic expression affect societal change? 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