Abstract Quote by Robert Graves
“Abstract reason, formerly the servant of practical human reasons, has everywhere become its master, and denies poetry any excuse for existence. Though philosophers like to define poetry as irrational fancy, for us it is practical, humorous, reasonable way of being ourselves. Of never acquiescing in a fraud; of never accepting the secondary-rate in poetry, painting, music, love, friends. Of safeguarding our poetic institutions against the encroachments of mechanized, insensate, inhumane, abstract rationality.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The White Goddess, 1948
Abstract rationality dominates, threatening poetry's practical, human, and humorous essence.
In simple terms: Reason can crowd out poetic, human expression.
Key Takeaway
Protect creative arts from cold rationalism.
Themes
art
humanity
creativity
reason
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
artistic
When to use this quote
- education
- media criticism
- artistic practice
- personal expression
Key Concepts
rationalism
poetry
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we integrate reason without stifling art?
- What role does humor play in creativity?
A Different Perspective
Rational tools also enable progress; balance is needed.
