The art has to make it on its own, without explanations, and it’s the same for poetry. If the poem or the painting has to be explained, then it’s a failure in communication.
Lawrence FerlinghettiRead
Don't bow down to critics who have not themselves written great masterpieces.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Disregard the opinions of those who haven't achieved their own greatness.
This quote emphasizes the importance of valuing one's own pursuits and achievements over the criticisms of others who lack similar accomplishments. It suggests that those who criticize often do so from a place of insecurity or unfulfilled potential, and their opinions should not deter individuals from striving towards their own greatness.
Themes
CriticsMasterpiecesGreatnessInspirationCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about artistic perseverance, one could quote Ferlinghetti to motivate budding artists.
More from Lawrence Ferlinghetti
All quotes →I didn’t know that painters and writers retired. They’re like soldiers – they just fade away.
Lawrence FerlinghettiRead
Poets, come out of your closets, Open your windows, open your doors, You have been holed up too long in your closed worlds... Poetry should transport the public/to higher places/than other wheels can carry it.
Lawrence FerlinghettiRead
Constantly risking absurdity and death whenever he performs above the heads of his audience, the poet, like an acrobat, climbs on rhyme to a high wire of his own making.
Lawrence FerlinghettiRead
The state of the world calls out for poetry to save it.
Lawrence FerlinghettiRead
Poetry is eternal graffiti written in the heart of everyone.
Lawrence FerlinghettiRead
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