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Age Quote by Florence Earle Coates

“Maeterlinck says that compared with ordinary truths mystic truths have strange privileges - they can neither age nor die. Beauty is eternal and ugliness, thank God, is ephemeral. Can there be any question as to which should attract the poet?” quote by Florence Earle Coates
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“Maeterlinck says that compared with ordinary truths mystic truths have strange privileges - they can neither age nor die. Beauty is eternal and ugliness, thank God, is ephemeral. Can there be any question as to which should attract the poet?”

Florence Earle Coates

About This Quote

Source Poem: "Mystic Truths", 1915, published in Poetry Magazine

The poet argues that mystical truths, unlike ordinary ones, are timeless, and that beauty endures while ugliness fades, urging poets to favor beauty.

In simple terms: Mystic truths are timeless; beauty lasts, ugliness fades.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize timeless beauty in art.

Themes

beauty vs ugliness timelessness poetic values metaphysics

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • poetry analysis
  • art criticism
  • creative writing
  • philosophical study

Key Concepts

Eternal truth aesthetic permanence ephemeral ugliness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes a truth timeless?
  • Should poets seek beauty over truth?
A Different Perspective

Beauty may be subjective; not all agree on timelessness.

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