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
Things have a way of being richer in the end, a product better made, for the circuitous route we take to include all the elements that are necessary for a job well done.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Taking a longer, more complicated path can yield better results in the end.
This quote by David Whyte emphasizes the value of the journey taken to accomplish a task. It suggests that the more thoughtful and inclusive the process, even if it feels convoluted, the richer and more rewarding the final outcome will be, as it incorporates all necessary elements and perspectives.
Themes
JourneyProcessResultsSuccessEffort
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth and the importance of the learning process.
More from David Whyte
All quotes →Poetry 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
You see things less clearly when you open your eyes too wide.
Italo SvevoRead
So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak. Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing.
Sun TzuRead
Not-knowing is true knowledge. _x000D_ _x000D_ Presuming to know is a disease._x000D_ _x000D_ First realize that you are sick;_x000D_ _x000D_ then you can move toward health.
LaoziRead
Ever make mistakes in life? Let's make them birds. Yeah, they're birds now.
Bob RossRead
Without passion, all the skill in the world won't lift you above craft.
Twyla TharpRead
Great minds that are healthy are never considered geniuses, while this sublime qualification is lavished on brains that are often inferior but are slightly touched by madness.
Guy De MaupassantRead