Aim Quote by Randall Jarrell
“originality" is everyone's aim, and novel techniques are as much prized as new scientific discoveries. [T.S.] Eliot states it with surprising naïveté: "It is exactly as wasteful for a poet to do what has been done already as for a biologist to rediscover Mendel's discoveries.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Poetry, 1967
Originality is valued as highly as scientific breakthroughs; copying past work wastes creative potential.
In simple terms: Being original matters as much as new discoveries.
Pursue fresh ideas, avoid rehashing.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing
- research
- teaching
- product development
- marketing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure your work adds new value?
- What risks come from over‑emphasizing novelty?