I can't imagine ever writing anything of any kind on a machine. I never tried to write either poetry or prose on a typewriter. I like to do it on useless paper, scrap paper, because it's of no importance.
W. S. MerwinRead
What I really believe is the only hopeful relation between our life and the whole of life is one of reverence and respect and of feeling at one with it. The other attitude which is the one our society is based on is devastating and it is killing the earth and it is killing us too.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We must respect and feel connected to life to foster hope; otherwise, our destructive attitudes harm both the earth and humanity.
In this quote, W. S. Merwin emphasizes the importance of reverence and respect for life as a means to foster hope and connection with the broader existence. He contrasts this positive attitude with the destructive mindset prevalent in society, which he asserts is detrimental to both the planet and humanity, highlighting the urgency for a shift in perspective to combat environmental and existential crises.
Themes
RespectLifeNatureHopeEnvironment
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about environmental awareness at a community gathering.
More from W. S. Merwin
All quotes →I think there's a kind of desperate hope built into poetry that one really wants, hopelessly, to save the world. One is trying to say everything that can be said for the things that one loves while there's still time.
W. S. MerwinRead
The kind of writing that matters most to me is something you don't learn about. It's constantly coming out of what I don't know rather than what I do know.
W. S. MerwinRead
I say to my breath once again, little breath come from in front of me, go away behind me, row me quietly now, as far as you can, for I am an abyss that I am trying to cross.
W. S. MerwinRead
Through all of youth I was looking for you_x000D_ without knowing what I was looking for_x000D_ part memory part distance remaining _x000D_ mine in the ways that I learn to miss you_x000D_ from what we cannot hold the stars are made.
W. S. MerwinRead
I go five steps in the garden, and I immediately lose track of time... it is a kind of joy in being alive in being in the world. I always found that in the garden. That is what it means to me.
W. S. MerwinRead
Similar quotes
It's a funny thing about cities: Some have brief, bright moments of cultural and political dominance, decades- or centuries-long spells when they seem the center of their particular nation, or region, or empire... only to later fall into obscurity and disrepair, never to regain their former glory.
Hanya YanagiharaRead
Every inhabitant of this planet must contemplate the day when this planet may no longer be habitable .. The weapons of war must be abolished before they abolish us.
John F. KennedyRead
The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple.
Alan WattsRead
The principles which men profess on any controverted subject are usually a very incomplete exponent of the opinions they really hold.
John Stuart MillRead
I must take issue with the term 'a mere child,' for it has been my invariable experience that the company of a mere child is infinitely preferable to that of a mere adult.
Fran LebowitzRead
Life is bigger than processes and overflows and dwarfs them.
Dale CarnegieRead