Behinds Quote by Kenneth Goldsmith
“The best thing about conceptual poetry is that it doesn’t need to be read. You don’t have to read it. As a matter of fact, you can write books, and you don’t even have to read them. My books, for example, are unreadable. All you need to know is the concept behind them. Here’s every word I spoke for a week. Here’s a year’s worth of weather reports... and without ever having to read these things, you understand them.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: “The Unreadable Book” with Kenneth Goldsmith, 2015
Conceptual poetry values idea over text; the work’s meaning is conveyed by its concept, not by reading the words.
In simple terms: Concept matters more than reading.
Key Takeaway
Focus on the underlying idea.
Themes
art
literature
conceptualism
creativity
Mood
iroteric
provocative
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- gallery installations
- experimental publishing
- academic curricula
- public lectures
Key Concepts
postmodernism
semantic theory
authorial intent
Questions to Reflect On
- What concept would you convey without words?
- How does ignoring the text affect interpretation?
A Different Perspective
Readers may miss nuance without engaging the text.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
