Poetry Quote by Percy Bysshe Shelley
““All things exist as they are perceived: at least in relation to the percipient. 'The mind is its own place, and of itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.' But poetry defeats the curse which binds us to be subjected to the accident of surrounding impressions. And whether it spreads its own figured curtain or withdraws life's dark veil from before the scene of things, it equally creates for us a being within our being.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “A Defence of Poetry”, 1821
Perception shapes reality; the mind can transform experiences, and poetry liberates us from ordinary constraints.
In simple terms: Mind creates heaven or hell; poetry frees us.
Key Takeaway
Use imagination to reframe hardships.
Themes
perception
mind
poetry
reality
freedom
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
philosophical
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- reading poetry
- mindfulness practice
- creative writing
- art therapy
- philosophical discussion
Key Concepts
subjectivity
creative imagination
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your inner narrative affect your mood?
- Can art alter your perception of reality?
A Different Perspective
Poetry may not change external circumstances.
![“But, say you, surely there is nothing easier than for me to imagine trees, for instance, in a park [. . .] and nobody by to perceive them. [...] The objects of sense exist only when they are perceived; the trees therefore are in the garden [. . .] no longer than while there is somebody by to…” quote by George Berkeley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/844/george-berkeley-8287_easier_but-say-you-surely-there-is-nothing-easi_583192.jpg)
