And as we stray further from love, we multiply the words. Had we remained together we could have become a silence.
I try to stay a civilian, to live as a human, not as a poet.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a desire to live a simple, human life rather than being defined solely by one's artistic identity.
Yehuda Amichai expresses the tension between being an artist and living a grounded, ordinary life. By stating his intention to remain a 'civilian', he highlights the importance of maintaining human connections and experiences above the pressures that come with being a poet. This sentiment resonates with the idea that a person's value isnβt solely defined by their profession or artistic role, but rather their shared humanity.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the balance between passion and practicality, you might quote this to emphasize the importance of staying grounded.
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I love borders. August is the border between summer and autumn; it is the most beautiful month I know. Twilight is the border between day and night, and the shore is the border between sea and land. The border is longing: when both have fallen in love but still haven't said anything. The border is to be on the way. It is the way that is the most important thing.
My Advice to Young Filmmakers is This: Don't Follow Trends. Start Them!