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About this quote

What does it mean?
Poets often feel the tension between artistic expression and scientific rigor.
In plain terms
Poets are close to science, feeling its influence.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the overlap between art and science.

Where it applies

  • writing poetry
  • studying physics

Putting it to work

  • experiment with form
  • use scientific concepts in art

Questions to consider

  • How does science inspire your creativity?
  • Can poetry explain scientific ideas?

Another view

Not all poets engage with science; many focus purely on emotion.

More from Henry David Thoreau

  1. The youth gets together his materials to build a bridge to the moon, or, perchance, a palace or temple on the earth, and, at length, the middle-aged man conclu…

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  2. Fire is the most tolerable third party.

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  3. The perception of beauty is a moral test.

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