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The idea that myth is the opposite of knowledge, or the opposite of truth, is simply to disallow it. It is like saying poetry is the opposite of truth.
Marilynne Robinson
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Myth and poetry convey truths in ways that knowledge and facts cannot, and dismissing them limits our understanding.

Marilynne Robinson's quote emphasizes the idea that myths and poetry serve as expressive mediums that communicate truths about the human experience, which shouldn't be dismissed as mere fiction or falsehood. To consider myth as the opposite of knowledge undermines its value, as both realms can coexist and enrich our understanding of life, emotion, and reality in profound ways.

Themes

MythTruthPoetryKnowledgeUnderstanding

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a lecture about the value of literature in understanding human experience.

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Quote by Marilynne Robinson | QuoteProject