Attitude Quote by Joseph Brodsky
“A person sets out to write a poem for a variety of reasons: to win the heart of his beloved; to express his attitude toward the reality surrounding him, be it a landscape or a state; to capture his state of mind at a given instant; to leave - as he thinks at that moment - a trace on the earth.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Purpose of Poetry, 1975
Poetry is written for varied motives: love, expression, capturing moments, and leaving a lasting imprint on the world.
In simple terms: Poetry serves love, expression, and legacy.
Write to capture and endure.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing a love poem
- documenting a protest
- personal journaling
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What moment do you want to preserve?
- How does poetry influence future generations?
May romanticize poetry’s impact.