Becoming Quote by Edward Hirsch
“I think it shapes it in very deep ways that you don't entirely understand. Rainer Maria Rilke said there are two inexhaustible sources for poetry. One is dreams, and the other is childhood. I think childhood is an inexhaustible source of your becoming who you will be and certain deep feelings are set inside of you.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: “Poetry and Memory,” 2021
Childhood provides endless material for poetry, shaping deep feelings and identity.
In simple terms: Childhood fuels poetic inspiration and identity.
Key Takeaway
Tap into childhood memories for creative work.
Themes
memory
identity
creativity
Mood
nostalgic
inspirational
Type
creative
reflective
When to use this quote
- journaling
- memory exercises
- creative writing classes
Key Concepts
psychology
developmental influence
Questions to Reflect On
- What childhood memory inspires you most?
- How can you translate that into poetry?
A Different Perspective
Adult experiences also shape art, not just childhood.
![“I have nothing from my childhood. I think you carry those books with you. It's like in [Ray] Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451." Books are outlawed in this future society so people become the book they love by memorizing it.” quote by Alice Hoffman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b3b/alice-hoffman-427_book_i-have-nothing-from-my-childhood-i-think_1351735.jpg)
