Poetry is a street fighter. It has sharp elbows. It can look after itself. Poetry can't be used for manipulation; it's why you never see good poetry in advertising.
David WhyteRead
Sometimes it takes darkness and the sweet_x000D_ confinement of your aloneness_x000D_ to learn_x000D_ anything or anyone_x000D_ that does not bring you alive_x000D_ is too small for you.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Darkness and solitude can reveal the importance of what truly nurtures our spirit.
This quote emphasizes that experiencing periods of darkness and isolation can lead to profound self-discovery. It suggests that by confronting these challenges, we can identify what genuinely nourishes our soul and recognize that anything or anyone that does not contribute to our vitality and growth is not worthy of our time and energy.
Themes
DarknessAlonenessSelf-DiscoveryGrowthSoul
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a motivational speech about personal growth after hardship.
More from David Whyte
All quotes βPoetry is often the art of overhearing yourself say things you didn't know you knew. It is a learned skill to force yourself to articulate your life, your present world or your possibilities for the future.
David WhyteRead
By definition, poetry works with qualities and dynamics that mainstream society is reluctant to face head-on. It's an interesting phenomenon that by necessity, poetry is just below the radar.
David WhyteRead
The price of our vitality is the sum of all our fears
David WhyteRead
The severest test of work today, is not of our strategies, but of our imaginations and identities.
David WhyteRead
We learn, grow and become compassionate and generous as much through exile as homecoming, as much through loss as gain, as much through giving things away as in receiving what we believe to be our due.
David WhyteRead
Similar quotes
Better a little which is well done, than a great deal imperfectly.
PlatoRead
A box without hinges, key, or lid, yet golden treasure inside is hid.
J. R. R. TolkienRead
Every man can see things far off but is blind to what is near.
SophoclesRead
Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.
Carl JungRead
Dreams are often most profound when they seem the most crazy.
Sigmund FreudRead
No matter how difficult something you or a loved one faces, it should not take over your life and be the center of all your interest. Challenges are growth experiences,temporary scenes to be played out on the background of a pleasant life. Donβt become so absorbed in a single event that you canβt think of anything else or care for yourself or for those who depend upon you. Remember, much like the mending of the body, the healing of some spiritual and emotional challenges takes time.
Richard G. ScottRead