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Arise Quote by Percy Bysshe Shelley

“The mind in creation is as a fading coal, which some invisible influence, like an inconstant wind, awakens to transitory brightness; this power arises from within...could this influence be durable in its original purity and force, it is impossible to predict the greatness of the result; but when…” quote by Percy Bysshe Shelley
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“The mind in creation is as a fading coal, which some invisible influence, like an inconstant wind, awakens to transitory brightness; this power arises from within...could this influence be durable in its original purity and force, it is impossible to predict the greatness of the result; but when composition begins, inspiration is already on the decline; and the most glorious poetry that has been communicated to the world is probably a feeble shadow of the original conceptions of the poet.”

Percy Bysshe Shelley

About This Quote

Source Poem: "A Defense of Poetry", 1821

The poet acknowledges that creative inspiration wanes quickly, making the final work a dim shadow of the original, untainted idea.

In simple terms: Inspiration fades, leaving the final poem weaker than the original spark.

Key Takeaway

Capture ideas before they fade.

Themes

creativity impermanence artistic process

Mood

contemplative inspirational

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing sessions
  • brainstorming
  • creative workshops
  • artistic reflection

Key Concepts

inspiration transience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you preserve the purity of an initial idea?
  • What methods help sustain creative momentum?
A Different Perspective

Even with effort, the original brilliance may be unattainable.

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