Skip to content

Ancient Quote by Mary Oliver

“Poetry is one of the ancient arts, and it began, as did all the fine arts, within the original wilderness of the earth. Also, it began through the process of seeing, and feeling, and hearing, and smelling, and touching, and then remembering--I mean remembering in words--what these perceptual…” quote by Mary Oliver
Download Open image
“Poetry is one of the ancient arts, and it began, as did all the fine arts, within the original wilderness of the earth. Also, it began through the process of seeing, and feeling, and hearing, and smelling, and touching, and then remembering--I mean remembering in words--what these perceptual experiences were like, while trying to describe the endless invisible fears and desires of our inner lives.”

Mary Oliver

About This Quote

Source Poetry: The Wildness Within, Mary Oliver, 1995

Poetry originates from humanity’s primal connection to nature, using sensory experience to express deep inner fears and desires.

In simple terms: Poetry comes from nature and senses.

Key Takeaway

Engage all senses to deepen creative expression.

Themes

nature sensory creativity inner life fear

Mood

contemplative inspiring

Type

creative philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • mindful walking
  • nature journaling

Key Concepts

phenomenology ecocriticism artistic process

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does nature inspire your writing?
  • What inner fears surface when you observe closely?
A Different Perspective

Sensory overload can distract focus.

4.1 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Mary Oliver

Explore all 470 Mary Oliver quotes

More Ancient quotes

Browse all 2,325 Ancient quotes