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Drink Quote by William Wordsworth

“I would stand, If the night blackened with a coming storm, Beneath some rock, listening to notes that are The ghostly language of the ancient earth, Or make their dim abode in distant winds. Thence did I drink the visionary power; And deem not profitless those fleeting moods Of shadowy exultation…” quote by William Wordsworth
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“I would stand, If the night blackened with a coming storm, Beneath some rock, listening to notes that are The ghostly language of the ancient earth, Or make their dim abode in distant winds. Thence did I drink the visionary power; And deem not profitless those fleeting moods Of shadowy exultation: not for this, That they are kindred to our purer mind And intellectual life; but that the soul, Remembering how she felt, but what she felt Remembering not, retains an obscure sense Of possible sublimity. . . .”

William Wordsworth

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Prelude, Book 1, 1799

The poet describes finding deep inspiration in nature’s stormy sounds, linking them to ancient, mysterious forces that awaken the soul’s hidden yearning for greatness.

In simple terms: Nature’s stormy sounds awaken the soul’s hidden yearning for greatness.

Key Takeaway

Seek profound moments in nature’s raw power.

Themes

nature inspiration spirituality creativity

Mood

reflective poetic contemplative

Type

literary philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • hiking
  • storm watching
  • meditative walks
  • creative writing sessions

Key Concepts

Romanticism transcendence sublimity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you capture fleeting inspiration?
  • What natural sounds stir your deepest thoughts?
A Different Perspective

Such moments may be fleeting and hard to translate into everyday life.

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