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About this quote

What does it mean?
Poets and artists face criticism from those who come after them.
In plain terms
Every poet gets criticized by younger writers.
What can you take from it?
Prepare for critique in creative work.

Where it applies

  • artistic fields
  • academic critique
  • innovation

Putting it to work

  • seek feedback
  • stay humble
  • keep creating

Questions to consider

  • How do you respond to criticism?
  • What is the purpose of art?

Another view

Not all younger creators criticize older ones.

More from Jonathan Swift

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  3. Yet malice never was his aim; He lashed the vice but spared the name. No individual could resent, Where thousands equally were meant. His satire points at no d…

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