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
Similar quotes
I asked the Zebra, _x000D_ are you black with white stripes? _x000D_ Or white with black stripes? _x000D_ And the zebra asked me, _x000D_ Are you good with bad habits? _x000D_ Or are you bad with good habits?
Shel SilversteinRead
Whether you sniff it smoke it eat it or shove it up your ass the result is the same: addiction.
William S. BurroughsRead
If I ever reach heaven I expect to find three wonders there: first, to meet some I had not thought to see there; second, to miss some I had expected to see there; and third, the greatest wonder of all, to find myself there.
Billy JoelRead
But what about the End of the Universe? We'll miss the big moment." I've seen it. It's rubbish," said Zaphod,"nothing but a gnab gib." A what?" Opposite of a big bang. Come on, let's get zappy.
Douglas AdamsRead
I got tired of doing battle with people thinking I was a little weird because I wasn't in a band making happy, stilted music. The only people who really seem weird to me are people who think they're normal. People who think it's possible to be normal just by doing the same things that most people do. Is there a most people? I don't know. Television makes it seem like there is, but I think that might just be television.
Elliott SmithRead
It's an odd thing, but anyone who disappears is said to be seen in San Francisco. It must be a delightful city and possess all the attractions of the next world
Oscar WildeRead