Never such innocence, Never before or since, As changed itself to past Without a word--the men Leaving the gardens tidy, The thousands of marriages Lasting a little while longer: Never such innocence again.
Philip LarkinRead
Originality is being different from oneself, not others.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Originality comes from being true to oneself rather than trying to imitate others.
This quote by Philip Larkin suggests that true originality is not about conforming to external standards or copying others but rather about exploring and expressing one's unique self. It emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and authenticity in creative expression, indicating that being original starts from within rather than from external influences or expectations.
Themes
OriginalitySelfAuthenticityCreativityIndividuality
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about creativity, one might use this quote to encourage artists to find their own voice.
More from Philip Larkin
All quotes βUncontradicting solitude Supports me on its giant palm; And like a sea-anemone Or simple snail, there cautiously Unfolds, emerges, what I am.
Philip LarkinRead
Saki says that youth is like hors d'oeuvres: you are so busy thinking of the next courses you don't notice it. When you've had them, you wish you'd had more hors d'oeuvres.
Philip LarkinRead
Above all, though, children are linked to adults by the simple fact that they are in process of turning into them. For this they may be forgiven much. Children are bound to be inferior to adults, or there is no incentive to grow up.
Philip LarkinRead
I can't understand these chaps who go round American universities explaining how they write poems: It's like going round explaining how you sleep with your wife.
Philip LarkinRead
I have a sense of melancholy isolation, life rapidly vanishing, all the usual things. It's very strange how often strong feelings don't seem to carry any message of action
Philip LarkinRead
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