Never such innocence, Never before or since, As changed itself to past Without a word--the men Leaving the gardens tidy, The thousands of marriages Lasting a little while longer: Never such innocence again.
Philip LarkinRead
I am always trying to 'preserve' things by getting other people to read what I have written, and feel what I felt.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the desire for one's experiences and emotions to be shared and understood by others through writing.
In this quote, Philip Larkin emphasizes the importance of writing as a means to capture and preserve personal experiences and emotions. He seeks to connect with others by inviting them to engage with his words, allowing them to feel the sentiments he felt, thus creating a shared understanding and appreciation of life's moments.
Themes
WritingEmotionsSharingConnectionExperience
In practice
Example use cases
In a literary discussion about the importance of storytelling, this quote could emphasize how writers aim to connect with their audience.
More from Philip Larkin
All quotes →Uncontradicting solitude Supports me on its giant palm; And like a sea-anemone Or simple snail, there cautiously Unfolds, emerges, what I am.
Philip LarkinRead
Saki says that youth is like hors d'oeuvres: you are so busy thinking of the next courses you don't notice it. When you've had them, you wish you'd had more hors d'oeuvres.
Philip LarkinRead
Above all, though, children are linked to adults by the simple fact that they are in process of turning into them. For this they may be forgiven much. Children are bound to be inferior to adults, or there is no incentive to grow up.
Philip LarkinRead
Originality is being different from oneself, not others.
Philip LarkinRead
I can't understand these chaps who go round American universities explaining how they write poems: It's like going round explaining how you sleep with your wife.
Philip LarkinRead
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