Favorite poems are like favorite children. We definitely have them but we never tell as the others would have their feelings hurt.
Nikki GiovanniRead
The poet Melvin B. Tolson once said "A civilization is judged only in its decline." That made sense to me. I would imagine the same is true for poets and tennis players.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that the true measure of a civilization, or talent in poetry or sports, is revealed during its decline or challenges.
Nikki Giovanni reflects on Melvin B. Tolson's assertion that a civilization is evaluated in its decline, indicating that the true essence and character of people or cultures are often revealed in times of hardship. This idea extends beyond civilizations to artists and athletes, suggesting that their greatness is highlighted through adversity, as it tests their skills and resilience.
Themes
CivilizationDeclineEvaluationPoetsAthletesResilience
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about cultural resilience, one might say, 'As Melvin B. Tolson observed, a civilization is judged only in its decline.'
More from Nikki Giovanni
All quotes →I want to be clear about this. If you wrote from experience, you'd get maybe one book, maybe three poems. Writers write from empathy.
Nikki GiovanniRead
A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you're in and take advantage of it.
Nikki GiovanniRead
Art is not for the cultivated taste. It is to cultivate taste.
Nikki GiovanniRead
Style has a profound meaning to Black Americans. If we can’t drive, we will invent walks and the world will envy the dexterity of our feet. If we can’t have ham, we will boil chitterlings; if we are given rotten peaches, we will make cobblers; if given scraps, we will make quilts; take away our drums, and we will clap our hands. We prove the human spirit will prevail. We will take what we have to make what we need. We need confidence in our knowledge of who we are.
Nikki GiovanniRead
If you were a pure bolt of fire-cutting the skies I'd touch you-risking my life-not because I'm brave or strong, but because I'm fascinated by what the outcome would be.
Nikki GiovanniRead
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