Klopstock was questioned regarding the meaningof a passage in his poem. He replied, 'God and I both knew what it meant once; now God alone knows.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Suggests that the meaning of art can fade, leaving only the divine as the keeper of truth.
- In plain terms
- Even the poet forgets what his poem meant.
- What can you take from it?
- Art often takes on a life beyond the creator's intent.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you explain your past work?
- Who knows meaning best?
Another view
It diminishes the artist's agency.
More from Cesare Lombroso
The appearance of a single great genius is more than equivalent to the birth of a hundred mediocrities.
Permalink to quote #2 'Lawsuit mania'...a continual craving to go to law against others, while considering themselves the injured party.
Permalink to quote #3 Genius is one of the many forms of insanity.
Permalink to quote #4
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