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    If a poet has any obligation toward society, it is to write well. Being in the minority, he has no other choice. Failing this duty, he sinks into oblivion. Society, on the other hand, has no obligation toward the poet. A majority by definition, society thinks of itself as having other options than reading verses, no matter how well written. Its failure to do so results in its sinking to that level of locution at which society falls easy prey to a demagogue or a tyrant. This is society's own equivalent of oblivion.

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  13  /  27  

They castrate the books of other men in order that with the fat of their works they may lard their read more

They castrate the books of other men in order that with the fat of their works they may lard their own lean volumes.

by Jovius Found in: Literature Quotes,
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  21  /  26  

A poet in history is divine, but a poet in the next room is a joke.

A poet in history is divine, but a poet in the next room is a joke.

by Max Eastman Found in: Literature Quotes,
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  35  /  34  

For whatever is truly wondrous and fearful in man, never yet was put into words or books.

For whatever is truly wondrous and fearful in man, never yet was put into words or books.

by Herman Melville Found in: Literature Quotes,
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  18  /  32  

Universities incline wits to sophistry and affectation.

Universities incline wits to sophistry and affectation.

by Jacques Barzun Found in: Literature Quotes,
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  14  /  26  

Poetry must have something in it that is barbaric, vast and wild.

Poetry must have something in it that is barbaric, vast and wild.

by Denis Diderot Found in: Literature Quotes,
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First he wrought, and afterward he taught.

First he wrought, and afterward he taught.

by Geoffrey Chaucer Found in: Literature Quotes,
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  27  /  28  

Learning why one great book is just like every other great book is the key to understanding literature

Learning why one great book is just like every other great book is the key to understanding literature

by John Moschitta Found in: Literature Quotes,
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  26  /  27  

In books, the proportion of exceptional to commonplace people is very high; in reality, very low.

In books, the proportion of exceptional to commonplace people is very high; in reality, very low.

by Aldous Huxley Found in: Literature Quotes,
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  19  /  25  

Just don't take any class where you have to read BEOWULF.

Just don't take any class where you have to read BEOWULF.

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