Books Quote by William Butler Yeats
““Literature is, to my mind, the great teaching power of the world, the ultimate creator of all values, and it is this, not only in the sacred books whose power everybody acknowledges, but by every movement of imagination in song or story or drama that height of intensity and sincerity has made literature at all. Literature must take the responsibility of its power, and keep all its freedom: it must be like the spirit and like the wind that blows where it listeth; it must claim its right to pierce through every crevice of human nature, and to descrive the relation of the soul and the heart to the facts of life and of law, and to describe that relation as it is, not as we would have it be...””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Role of Literature, 1913
Literature wields profound influence, shaping values and reflecting human nature, and must remain free and responsible.
In simple terms: Literature shapes values, must stay free and responsible.
Key Takeaway
Respect and protect literature's power.
Themes
values
responsibility
freedom
human nature
creativity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education reform
- creative writing workshops
- public policy on arts
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
ethical influence
cultural impact
artistic liberty
moral duty
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do creators have?
- How can society safeguard artistic freedom?
A Different Perspective
Literature's influence can be limited by censorship or apathy.
