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To be a poet in a destitute time means: to attend, singing, to the trace of the fugitive gods. This is why the poet in the time of the world's night utters the holy.
Martin Heidegger
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that being a poet during difficult times involves acknowledging and celebrating the beauty and transcendence in life despite adversity.

Martin Heidegger highlights the role of the poet as a vital observer and interpreter of the human experience, especially in challenging times. In periods of hardship, the poet's duty is to seek out and express the deeper spiritual truths that can often be overlooked. By 'singing' about the 'fugitive gods', the poet illuminates the sacred aspects of life that endure, providing hope and inspiration to others in a seemingly dark world.

Themes

PoetryAdversitySpiritualityBeautyHope

In practice

Example use cases

During a writing workshop, a teacher might reference this quote to inspire students to find beauty in their struggles.

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The most thought-provoking thing in our thought-provoking time is that we are still not thinking.
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