Art Quote by Steven Pressfield
““O Divine Poesy, goddess, daughter of Zeus, sustain for me this song of the various-minded man who, after he had plundered the innermost citadel of hallowed Troy, was made to stay grievously about the coasts of men, the sport of their customs, good and bad, while his heart, through all the sea-faring, ached with an agony to redeem himself and bring his company safe home. Vain hope – for them. The fools! Their own witlessness cast them aside. To destroy for meat the oxen of the most exalted Sun, wherefore the Sun-god blotted out the day of their return. Make this tale live for us in all its many bearings, O Muse.” – from Homer’s Odyssey, translation by T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia)””
About This Quote
Source Epic: The Odyssey, translated by T.E. Lawrence, 1922
A plea to the muse for guidance through life's trials, acknowledging human folly and divine interference.
In simple terms: Seek guidance amid trials.
Key Takeaway
Trust creative inspiration.
Themes
journey
human folly
divine influence
hope
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
mythic
literary
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- creative block
- leadership challenges
- spiritual quests
Key Concepts
mythology
literary appeal
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does divine inspiration play today?
- How can we learn from ancient myths?
A Different Perspective
The archaic language may limit modern relevance.
