Couple Quote by Philip Larkin
“I think a young poet, or an old poet, for that matter, should try to produce something that pleases himself personally, not only when he's written it but a couple of weeks later. Then he should see if it pleases anyone else, by sending it to the kind of magazine he likes reading.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Poetry of the Past" by Philip Larkin, 1972
Poets should write for personal satisfaction first, then test the work’s appeal by sharing it with a preferred audience.
In simple terms: Write for yourself, then see if others like it.
Key Takeaway
Create, then seek feedback.
Themes
creativity
self‑reflection
audience
literary criticism
Mood
contemplative
introspective
Type
advisory
literary.
When to use this quote
- personal writing
- magazine submission
- peer review
- literary contests
Key Concepts
subjectivity
validation
publication process
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal expression with audience expectations?
- What criteria define a “pleasing” poem?
A Different Perspective
Personal taste may not align with broader audience preferences.
![“There is another old poet whose name I do not now remember who said Truth is the daughter of Time. [Lat., Alius quidam veterum poetarum cuius nomen mihi nunc memoriae non est veritatem temporis filiam esse dixit.]” quote by Aulus Gellius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2bb/aulus-gellius-45363_daughter_there-is-another-old-poet-whose-name-i-d_2609763.jpg)
