A poem is true if it hangs together. Information points to something else. A poem points to nothing but itself.
E. M. ForsterRead
Personal relations are the important thing for ever and ever, and not this outer life of telegrams and anger.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Personal connections hold greater significance than superficial interactions and material concerns.
In this quote, E. M. Forster emphasizes the importance of nurturing personal relationships over focusing on the transient and often superficial aspects of daily life, such as communication through technology or expressions of anger. He suggests that genuine connections with others are what ultimately matter in life, transcending the noise and distractions of modern existence.
Themes
RelationshipsConnectionsImportanceLifeAngerCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about mental health, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of social support.
More from E. M. Forster
All quotes βOne must be fond of people and trust them if one is not to make a mess of life.
E. M. ForsterRead
Oxford is Oxford: not a mere receptacle for youth, like Cambridge. Perhaps it wants its inmates to love it rather than to love one another.
E. M. ForsterRead
The fact is we can only love what we know personally. And we cannot know much. In public affairs, in the rebuilding of civilization, something less dramatic and emotional is needed, namely tolerance.
E. M. ForsterRead
One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested.
E. M. ForsterRead
Don't be mysterious; there isn't the time.
E. M. ForsterRead
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