Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker values poetry that provides factual utility over abstract expression.
In plain terms
I prefer poems that teach me something useful.
What can you take from it?
Utility can be as valuable as art in communication.

Where it applies

  • learning
  • teaching
  • appreciating art

Putting it to work

  • value practical knowledge
  • find art in function

Questions to consider

  • What makes a poem good?
  • Should art be useful?

Another view

It dismisses the emotional or aesthetic value of non-informative art.

More from Groucho Marx

  1. Military justice is to justice what military music is to music.

    Permalink to quote #88
  2. My mother treated us all equally ... with contempt.

    Permalink to quote #90
  3. Marriage is the chief cause of divorce.

    Permalink to quote #87

Related quotes

  1. Poetry is indispensable - if I only knew what for.

    Jean CocteauJean Cocteau quote #20
  2. But oh, Mesdames, if you are not allowed to touch the heart sometimes in spite of syntax, and are not to be loved until you all know the difference between tri…

    William Makepeace ThackerayWilliam Makepeace Thackeray quote #22
  3. A good poet is of no more use to his country than a good petanque player.

    Paul ValeryPaul Valery quote #23