August Quote by E. M. Forster

“In Europe life retreats out of the cold, and exquisite fireside myths have resulted—Balder, Persephone—but [in India] the retreat is from the source of life, the treacherous sun, and no poetry adorns it because disillusionment cannot be beautiful. Men yearn for poetry though they may not confess…” quote by E. M. Forster — Download Open image

“In Europe life retreats out of the cold, and exquisite fireside myths have resulted—Balder, Persephone—but [in India] the retreat is from the source of life, the treacherous sun, and no poetry adorns it because disillusionment cannot be beautiful. Men yearn for poetry though they may not confess it; they desire that joy shall be graceful and sorrow august and infinity have a form, and India fails to accommodate them.”

E. M. Forster

About This Quote

Source Essay: On Poetry and Culture, 1925

In some cultures, harsh environments suppress poetic expression, yet humans still crave beauty and meaning.

In simple terms: Harsh climates limit art, but desire persists.

Key Takeaway

Seek beauty despite adversity.

Themes

culture environment artistic yearning

Mood

contemplative melancholic

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

desert travel
climate adversity
creative pursuits

Key Concepts

poetry existential longing

Questions to Reflect On

Why does hardship inspire or hinder art?
Can beauty arise without ideal conditions?

A Different Perspective

Cultural constraints may stifle artistic output.

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