Action Quote by Plato
“Many are the noble words in which poets speak concerning the actions of men; but like yourself when speaking about Homer, they do not speak of them by any rules of art: they are simply inspired to utter that to which the Muse impels them, and that only; and when inspired, one of them will make dithyrambs, another hymns of praise, another choral strains, another epic or iambic verses- and he who is good at one is not good any other kind of verse: for not by art does the poet sing, but by power divine.”
About This Quote
Source Dialogue: Republic, Book X, Plato, c. 380 BC
Poets are driven by divine inspiration, not technical skill; mastery in one form doesn't guarantee mastery in another.
In simple terms: Poets write from inspiration, not craft.
Key Takeaway
Value inspiration over technique.
Themes
art
inspiration
skill
mastery
divine
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- writing poetry
- teaching literature
- evaluating artistic work
- creative collaboration
Key Concepts
poetics
creative process
talent
specialization
Questions to Reflect On
- How does divine inspiration affect artistic quality?
- Can skill be taught without inspiration?
A Different Perspective
Inspiration alone may lack discipline for refinement.
