I'd rather have two good friends, than 500,000 admirers.
E. E. CummingsRead
the poems to come are for you and for me and are not for mostpeople... you and i are human beings; mostpeople are snobs.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the personal nature of poetry, suggesting it resonates with those who appreciate it deeply, rather than with the superficial majority.
E. E. Cummings reflects on the intimacy and individuality of poetry, suggesting that its true value is found in the connection it fosters between two people who understand and cherish its deeper meanings. He contrasts this appreciation with the indifference of the 'mostpeople,' who may dismiss art as snobs, thus highlighting the inherent elitism in artistic appreciation and the importance of a genuine, human connection to creative expression.
Themes
PoetryArtHuman ConnectionIndividualityAppreciation
In practice
Example use cases
In a literary discussion about subjective interpretation, this quote may illustrate how poetry speaks uniquely to individuals.
More from E. E. Cummings
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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.
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