The best poems take long journeys. I like poetry best that journeys--while remaining in the human scale--to the other world, which may be a place as easily overlooked as a bee's wing
Robert BlyRead
We spend our life until we’re twenty deciding what parts of ourself to put into the bag, and we spend the rest of our lives trying to get them out again.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the process of self-discovery during young adulthood and the ongoing effort to express one's true self throughout life.
Robert Bly's quote encapsulates the struggle of self-identity, emphasizing how young people often conform to societal expectations and norms by 'packing' certain traits and characteristics into a metaphorical bag. As they grow older, they realize the importance of unearthing their authentic selves and embracing all aspects of who they are, which can be a lifelong journey of self-exploration and acceptance.
Themes
IdentitySelf-DiscoveryAuthenticityLifePersonal Growth
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech to encourage students to embrace their true selves.
More from Robert Bly
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My feeling is that poetry is also a healing process, and then when a person tries to write poetry with depth or beauty, he will find himself guided along paths which will heal him, and this is more important, actually, than any of the poetry he writes.
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Every part of you that you do not love will regress and become hostile towards you.
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The door to the soul is unlocked; you do not need to please the doorkeeper, the door in front of you is yours, intended for you, and the doorkeeper obeys when spoken to.
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