Music Quote by Walt Whitman
““Poets to Come POETS to come! orators, singers, musicians to come! Not to-day is to justify me, and answer what I am for; But you, a new brood, native, athletic, continental, greater than before known, Arouse! Arouse for you must justify me you must answer. I myself but write one or two indicative words for the future, I but advance a moment, only to wheel and hurry back in the darkness. I am a man who, sauntering along, without fully stopping, turns a casual look upon you, and then averts his face, Leaving it to you to prove and define it, Expecting the main things from you.””
About This Quote
Whitman challenges future generations of creators to define themselves, urging them to answer what they stand for and to move beyond mere justification, suggesting that art must be an active, self‑determined force.
In simple terms: Future artists must define themselves, not just justify.
Key Takeaway
Self‑definition drives creative purpose.
Themes
creativity
self‑identity
generational legacy
Mood
inspirational
urgent
Type
manifesto
poetic
When to use this quote
- a young poet drafting a manifesto
- a musician launching a debut album with a clear message
Key Concepts
existential responsibility
artistic agency
Practical Applications
- write a personal artistic credo
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to ‘justify’ yourself as an artist?
- How can you balance self‑expression with societal expectations?
![“Downloading's the same as what I used to do. I used to tape the charts of the songs I liked [off the radio]. I don't mind it. I hate all these big, silly rock stars who moan. At least they're fuckin' downloading your music, you cunt, and paying attention, know what I mean? You should fuckin'…” quote by Liam Gallagher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0c7/liam-gallagher-12691_liam-gallagher_downloading-s-the-same-as-what-i-used-to_369.jpg)
