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
Now all my teachers are dead except silence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the loss of guidance and the quietness that remains after the passing of influential figures.
W. S. Merwin's quote suggests a deep contemplation on the profound impact that teachers and mentors have on one's life. With their physical presence gone, silence stands in as the enduring reminder of the lessons learned and the knowledge imparted. It emphasizes the transition from active learning to reflecting on the wisdom gained in their absence, highlighting the importance of both the voices of our guides and the introspection that silence brings.
Themes
TeachersSilenceWisdomLossReflection
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a eulogy to honor the memory of a deceased teacher.
More from W. S. Merwin
All quotes βI 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
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.
W. S. MerwinRead
Similar quotes
The Difficulty lies, in finding out an exact Measure but eat for Necessity, not Pleasure, for Lust knows not where Necessity ends.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Our scars are a witness to the world. They are apart of our story. Healed wounds that are symbols that God has restored us.
Louie GiglioRead
There are many ways to calm a negative energy without suppressing or fighting it. You recognize it, you smile to it, and you invite something nicer to come up and replace it; you read some inspiring words, you listen to a piece of beautiful music, you go somewhere in nature, or you do some walking meditation.
Nhat HanhRead
'Crazy' is a term of art; 'Insane' is a term of law. Remember that, and you will save yourself a lot of trouble.
Hunter S. ThompsonRead
When I was growing up, my mother, who had been through a lot of terrible things in life, taught me that when life is tough your instinct is to close your heart. But if you can accept what happened and reach out to someone, there will always be someone less fortunate, or someone that can bring a solution and help your life.
Jane SeymourRead
Its beautiful to be alone. To be alone does not mean to be lonely. it means the mind is not influenced and contaminated by society.
Jiddu KrishnamurtiRead