Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Mere poets are sottish as mere drunkards are, who live in a continual mist, without seeing or judging anything clearly. A man should be learned in several sciences, and should have a reasonable, philosophical and in some measure a mathematical head, to be a complete and excellent poet.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Poetry requires clarity of thought and a broad understanding of various disciplines.
In this quote, John Dryden emphasizes that true poetry is not just a matter of creative expression but requires a deep understanding of various fields of knowledge. He contrasts the shallow nature of mere poets with the depth and clarity that comes from a well-rounded, educated mind, suggesting that to be a great poet, one must possess not only artistic flair but also intellectual rigor.
Themes
PoetryKnowledgePhilosophyIntellectArt
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a lecture on the importance of education in the arts.
More from John Dryden
All quotes →Of no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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