Class Quote by May Sarton
“... the reason why there are so few first-class poets is that many people have intense feelings or first-class minds but to get the two together so that you will be willing to put a poem through sixty drafts, to be that self-critical, to keep breaking it down, that is what is rare. Right now most poetry is just self-indulgence.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Poetry of the Mind, 1975
True artistry needs both deep feeling and disciplined refinement; without rigor, poetry becomes self‑indulgent.
In simple terms: Great art needs feeling and hard work.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate discipline in creative work.
Themes
creativity
self‑discipline
artistic integrity
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing a poem
- editing drafts
- developing a manuscript
- teaching creative writing
Key Concepts
Poetry
craftsmanship
self‑criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance inspiration with critical editing?
- What habits keep you from over‑indulging?
A Different Perspective
Even with talent, lack of perseverance can stall artistic growth.
