Borrowed Quote by Gerard Manley Hopkins
“Every true poet, I thought, must be original and originality a condition of poetic genius; so that each poet is like a species in nature (not an individuum genericum or specificum ) and can never recur. That nothing shd. be old or borrowed however cannot be.”
About This Quote
Source Poetry: The Poems of Gerard Manley Hopkins, 1889
Originality is essential to poetic genius; each poet is a unique species that cannot be replicated, so true poetry must avoid borrowing.
In simple terms: Poetry must be original and unique.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate a distinct voice.
Themes
originality
genius
uniqueness
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literary criticism
- personal journaling
- teaching poetry
Key Concepts
poetic identity
creativity
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you honor tradition while staying original?
- What defines a poet's unique voice?
A Different Perspective
Even great poets are influenced by predecessors, making pure originality rare.
