Careers Quote by Maxine Kumin
“I would not recommend poetry as a career. In the first place, it's impossible in this time and place - in this culture - to make poetry a career. The writing of poetry is one thing. It's an obsession, the scratching of a divine itch, and has nothing to do with money. You can, however, make a career out of being a poet by teaching, traveling around, and giving lectures. It's a thin living at best.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Poetry of Living, Maxine Kumin, 1990
Poetry is a passionate art, not a reliable source of income; one can earn a modest living through teaching and speaking but not solely by writing poems.
In simple terms: Poetry fuels passion, not profit.
Key Takeaway
Seek teaching or lecturing to support poetic work.
Themes
art
economics
career
passion
Mood
reflective
pragmatic
Type
advice
observational
When to use this quote
- teaching literature
- public readings
- grant applications
- freelance writing
Key Concepts
creative expression
financial reality
livelihood
Questions to Reflect On
- How can poets balance artistic integrity with financial needs?
- What alternative income streams suit creative work?
A Different Perspective
Even with teaching, income can be unstable and competitive.
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