Astonishment Quote by Sylvia Plath
“So you got rid of your astonishment that someone could write so much more dynamically than you. You stopped cherishing your aloneness and poetic differentness to your delicately flat little bosom. You said: she's to good to forget. How about making her a friend and competitor — you could learn alot from her. So you'll try. So maybe she'll laugh in your face. So maybe she'll beat you hollow in the end. So anyhow, you'll try, and maybe, possibly, she can stand you. Here's hoping!”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unpublished, 1960s
The speaker urges embracing competition and learning from a talented rival, despite fear of failure.
In simple terms: Learn from rivals, not just admire them.
Key Takeaway
Seek growth through challenging relationships.
Themes
growth
competition
learning
vulnerability
Mood
hopeful
determined
Type
motivational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career development
- artistic collaboration
- personal challenges
Key Concepts
psychology
creative process
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you gain from a rival?
- How can you balance admiration with healthy competition?
A Different Perspective
Rivalry can breed resentment instead of collaboration.
