Poetry Quote by James Dickey
““You never know that. I don't know it; Robert Lowell doesn't know it; John Berryman didn't know it; and Shakespeare probably didn't know it. There's never any final certainty about what you do. Your opinion of your own work fluctuates wildly. Under the right circumstances you can pick up something that you've written and approve of it; you'll think it's good and that nobody could have done exactly the same thing. Under different circumstances, you'll look at exactly the same poem and say, “My Lord, isn't that boring.” The most important thing is to be excited about what you are doing and to be working on something that you think will be the greatest thing that ever was. One of the difficulties in writing poetry is to maintain your sense of excitement and discovery about what you write.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Paris Review, 1974
Artistic excitement fluctuates; the same work can feel both brilliant and dull, yet passion drives creation.
In simple terms: Art can feel both at and boring; stay excited.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate continual curiosity.
Themes
creativity
uncertainty
passion
Mood
introspective
motivational
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- creative brainstorming
- self‑evaluation
- artistic retreats
Key Concepts
literary criticism
psychology of art
Questions to Reflect On
- What sparks your creative excitement?
- How do you sustain enthusiasm over time?
A Different Perspective
Excitement may wane; external pressure can stifle joy.
