"Poetry may make us from time to time a little more aware of the deeper, unnamed feelings which form the substratum of our being, to which we rarely penetrate; for our lives are mostly a constant evasion of ourselves"
- T. S. Eliot
About this Quote
T.S. Eliot's quote reflects on the profound and often overlooked function that poetry plays in human consciousness and self-awareness. At its core, the declaration recommends that poetry has the unique capability to illuminate the unknown and unarticulated feelings that lie deep within us. These "deeper, unnamed sensations" make up the structure of our inner lives, yet we seldom engage with them straight. Eliot presumes that our everyday presence is largely defined by distraction and avoidance, where we evade real self-confrontation and introspection.
In the modern-day world, where routine and external stimuli frequently control, individuals may find themselves detached from their core emotional experiences. Eliot indicates that poetry works as a bridge to this ignored part of the mind. Through its expressive language, imagery, and rhythm, poetry can awaken us to sensations that generally stay reduced or neglected. It provides a space for reflection and connection with the self, cultivating a sense of mindfulness and presence that contrasts with the common propensity to get away or numb ourselves to much deeper truths.
The expression "consistent evasion of ourselves" is particularly critical, drawing attention to the human routine of avoiding self-exploration. Whether due to fear, discomfort, or the needs of daily life, people often prevent confronting their own intricacies and vulnerabilities. Poetry, nevertheless, breaks through this barrier, inviting us to pause and introspect. It challenges us to explore and acknowledge the "substratum of our being," promoting higher self-understanding and emotional clearness.
In this light, Eliot's quote underscores the transformative power of poetry. It acts as a tool of self-discovery, prompting us to go beyond superficial stories and connect with the essence of what it indicates to be human. By doing so, poetry improves our lives, offering insights and psychological depth that might otherwise stay unattainable.
This quote is written / told by T. S. Eliot between September 26, 1888 and January 4, 1965. He/she was a famous Poet from USA.
The author also have 55 other quotes.
"We don't attempt to have any theme for a number of the anthology, or to have any particular sequence. We just put in things that we like, and then we try to alternate the prose and the poetry"
"Concrete poets continue to turn out beautiful things, but to me they're more visual than oral, and they almost really belong on the wall rather than in a book. I haven't the least idea of where poetry is going"
"Deals are my art form. Other people paint beautifully on canvas or write wonderful poetry. I like making deals, preferably big deals. That's how I get my kicks"