Skip to content

Desire Quote by George Edward Woodberry

“Much of a poet's experience takes place in imagination only; the life he tells is oftenest the life that he strongly desires to live, and the power, the purity and height of his utterance may not seldom be the greater because experience here uses the voices of desire.” quote by George Edward Woodberry
Download Open image
“Much of a poet's experience takes place in imagination only; the life he tells is oftenest the life that he strongly desires to live, and the power, the purity and height of his utterance may not seldom be the greater because experience here uses the voices of desire.”

George Edward Woodberry

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Poet's Imagination", 1885

Poets often write about ideal lives, using desire to shape their verses, which can make their work more powerful.

In simple terms: Poets write about imagined ideal lives.

Key Takeaway

Use desire to fuel creative expression.

Themes

creativity desire idealism

Mood

inspirational thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • literary criticism
  • personal journaling

Key Concepts

imagination artistic aspiration emotional depth

Questions to Reflect On

  • What desires drive your creative work?
  • How can imagined lives inspire real change?
A Different Perspective

Idealized visions may ignore reality.

3.4 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by George Edward Woodberry

Explore all 51 George Edward Woodberry quotes

More Desire quotes

Browse all 15,155 Desire quotes