poetry Quotes

Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.

Poetry is finer and more philosophical than history; for poetry expresses the universal, and history only the particular.

Hence poetry is something more philosophic and of graver import than history, since its statements are rather of the nature of universals, whereas those of history are singulars.

The poet, being an imitator like a painter or any other artist, must of necessity imitate one of three objects - things as they were or are, things as they are said or thought to be, or things as they ought to be. The vehicle of expression is language - either current terms or, it may be, rare words or metaphors.

It is Homer who has chiefly taught other poets the art of telling lies skillfully.

Homer has taught all other poets the art of telling lies skillfully.

When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.

A poet can survive everything but a misprint.

All bad poetry springs from genuine feeling.

One merit of poetry few persons will deny: it says more and in fewer words than prose.