Skip to content

Cry Quote by William Butler Yeats

“Only that which does not teach, which does not cry out, which does not condescend, which does not explain, is irresistible.” quote by William Butler Yeats
Download Open image
“Only that which does not teach, which does not cry out, which does not condescend, which does not explain, is irresistible.”

William Butler Yeats

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Second Coming, 1919

Only things that are silent, unteaching, and unexplanatory possess a magnetic allure.

In simple terms: Quiet, unexplanatory things draw us.

Key Takeaway

Embrace mystery, avoid over‑explaining.

Themes

mystery silence attraction

Mood

intrigued reflective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • art criticism
  • personal relationships
  • creative writing
  • spiritual contemplation

Key Concepts

magnetism ineffability paradox

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does silence teach you?
  • When have you felt drawn to the inexplicable?
A Different Perspective

Over‑explaining can also clarify and connect.

2.1 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by William Butler Yeats

Explore all 652 William Butler Yeats quotes

More Cry quotes

Browse all 5,001 Cry quotes