I'd rather have two good friends, than 500,000 admirers.
E. E. CummingsRead
may my heart always be open to little birds who are the secrets of living whatever they sing is better than to know and if men should not hear them men are old may my mind stroll about hungry and fearless and thirsty and supple and even if it's sunday may i be wrong for whenever men are right they are not young and may myself do nothing usefully and love yourself so more than truly there's never been quite such a fool who could fail pulling all the sky over him with one smile
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of being open-hearted and embracing life's secrets with a youthful spirit, regardless of societal expectations.
E. E. Cummings' quote reflects a celebration of innocence, curiosity, and the joys of life. It suggests that a heart open to the 'little birds'—which symbolize the wonders and truths of living—captures a youthful essence, while rigidity in thought signifies aging. Cummings encourages a mindset that is adventurous and unrestrained, even welcoming mistakes and unconventional thoughts, as true wisdom lies in the ability to cherish life’s deeper meanings beyond mere knowledge.
Themes
WisdomYouthOpennessLifeCuriosityHappiness
In practice
Example use cases
Sharing this quote during a life coaching session to inspire openness to new experiences.
More from E. E. Cummings
All quotes →I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing than to teach ten thousand stars how not to dance.
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It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
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When god decided to invent everything he took one reath bigger than a circustent and everything began
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The Artist is no other than he who unlearns what he has learned, in order to know himself.
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Nobody else can be alive for you; nor can you be alive for anybody else.
E. E. CummingsRead
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