Famous quote by James Broughton

Mobile Desktop
Most poets, like most people, try hard to be like someone they admire or they are possessed with an image of what they o
Like

"Most poets, like most people, try hard to be like someone they admire or they are possessed with an image of what they ought to be"

- James Broughton

About this Quote

James Broughton's quote discuss the universal human experience of emulation and the quest for identity. He observes that, like the majority of people, poets frequently strive to imitate those they admire or end up being focused on an idealized version of themselves. This pursuit is rooted in a deep-seated desire for belonging, acceptance, and self-definition.

First of all, Broughton highlights the natural human propensity to design oneself after someone appreciated. This might manifest as imitating the stylistic nuances of a revered poet or embracing the thematic concerns of a literary idol. For poets, this can serve as both a motivation and a restraint. On one hand, emulation can drive the proficiency of craft as one learns from the successes and failures of others. On the other hand, it can hamper individual expression, limiting the poet's special voice and curbing their innovative potential.

Furthermore, Broughton indicates the idea of being "had with a picture of what they ought to be." This suggests a preoccupation with ideals-- whether imposed by society, literary custom, or individual goal-- that can eclipse genuine expression. For poets, this quest for a perfect can be a double-edged sword. It might cultivate development and discipline but can likewise cause a sense of inadequacy when truth fails to align with these lofty expectations.

Broughton's reflection invites a wider reflection about authenticity and uniqueness. In a world filled with impacts, the challenge depends on drawing motivation from others while nurturing one's unique voice. For poets, the journey includes balancing adoration with introspection and enabling their special experiences and perceptions to inform their work.

Ultimately, Broughton's insight underscores a fundamental tension in both poetry and life-- the balance in between external impacts and self-discovery. Welcoming this tension can lead to a fuller, richer expression of one's real self, unencumbered by the confines of external expectations.

About the Author

USA Flag This quote is written / told by James Broughton between November 10, 1913 and May 17, 1999. He/she was a famous Director from USA. The author also have 33 other quotes.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Small: A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: w
Lao Tzu
"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves"
Lao Tzu, Author
Small: Buildings should serve people, not the other way around - John Portman
John Portman
"Buildings should serve people, not the other way around"
John Portman, Architect
Small: Borders? I have never seen one. But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people - Thor Heyerdahl
Thor Heyerdahl
"Borders? I have never seen one. But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people"
Thor Heyerdahl, Explorer
Small: Sarcasm: the last refuge of modest and chaste-souled people when the privacy of their soul is coarsely and int
Fyodor Dostoevsky
"Sarcasm: the last refuge of modest and chaste-souled people when the privacy of their soul is coarsely and intrusively invaded"
Fyodor Dostoevsky, Novelist
Small: People with many interests live, not only longest, but happiest - George Matthew Adams
George Matthew Adams
"People with many interests live, not only longest, but happiest"
George Matthew Adams, Philosopher
Small: A company is only as good as the people it keeps - Mary Kay Ash
Mary Kay Ash
"A company is only as good as the people it keeps"
Mary Kay Ash, Businesswoman
Small: First-rate people hire first-rate people second-rate people hire third-rate people - Leo Rosten
Leo Rosten
"First-rate people hire first-rate people; second-rate people hire third-rate people"
Leo Rosten, Novelist
Small: The Oscar changed everything. Better salary, working with better people, better projects, more exposure, less
Kathy Bates
"The Oscar changed everything. Better salary, working with better people, better projects, more exposure, less privacy"
Kathy Bates, Actress
Small: You cant get rid of poverty by giving people money - P. J. ORourke
P. J. O'Rourke
"You can't get rid of poverty by giving people money"
P. J. O'Rourke, Journalist
Small: Ambition is not a vice of little people - Michel de Montaigne
Michel de Montaigne
"Ambition is not a vice of little people"
Michel de Montaigne, Philosopher