I can't imagine ever writing anything of any kind on a machine. I never tried to write either poetry or prose on a typewriter. I like to do it on useless paper, scrap paper, because it's of no importance.
W. S. MerwinRead
The Indians seemed to be living in a place and in a way that was of immense importance to me. So I associate learning to read - English, oddly enough - with wanting to know about Indians. I'm still growing into it. I've never outgrown that.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a profound connection between learning to read and understanding a different culture, specifically that of the Indians.
W. S. Merwin expresses the idea that his desire to learn to read, particularly in English, is deeply intertwined with his fascination and respect for the culture of the Indians. This learning journey is portrayed as a lifelong pursuit, suggesting that understanding and appreciating different cultures is a continual process that enriches one's life.
Themes
LearningCultureReadingEducationIndigenousDiscovery
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about cultural appreciation, this quote can highlight the role of education.
More from W. S. Merwin
All quotes →I think there's a kind of desperate hope built into poetry that one really wants, hopelessly, to save the world. One is trying to say everything that can be said for the things that one loves while there's still time.
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The kind of writing that matters most to me is something you don't learn about. It's constantly coming out of what I don't know rather than what I do know.
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I say to my breath once again, little breath come from in front of me, go away behind me, row me quietly now, as far as you can, for I am an abyss that I am trying to cross.
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Through all of youth I was looking for you_x000D_ without knowing what I was looking for_x000D_ part memory part distance remaining _x000D_ mine in the ways that I learn to miss you_x000D_ from what we cannot hold the stars are made.
W. S. MerwinRead
What I really believe is the only hopeful relation between our life and the whole of life is one of reverence and respect and of feeling at one with it. The other attitude which is the one our society is based on is devastating and it is killing the earth and it is killing us too.
W. S. MerwinRead
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