Human race Quote by Johann Georg Hamann
““Poetry is mother-tongue of the human race; as gardening is older than agriculture; painting than writing; song than declamation; parables,—than deductions; barter,—than trade.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Poetry and the Arts, 1765
Poetry is the innate language of humanity; each art form predates and underlies later, more formal expressions.
In simple terms: Poetry is humanity’s first language; arts evolve from simple to complex.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value foundational creative expressions.
Themes
art
language
humanity
evolution
Mood
thoughtful
appreciative
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- creative writing
- visual arts
- music appreciation
Key Concepts
aesthetics
cultural history
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How does poetry shape your perception of other arts?
- What does “mother‑tongue” imply about cultural origins?
A Different Perspective
Modern media may overlook the primal role of poetry.
![“both the Mosaic law and the grace of the new covenant, as both fitted for the times [at which they were given], were bestowed by one and the same God for the benefit of the human race.” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2e6/the-church-fathers-1438_grace_both-the-mosaic-law-and-the-grace-of-the_10309.jpg)
