A good poet is of no more use to his country than a good petanque player.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Valery equates the utility of a poet to that of a game player, suggesting both are largely impractical.
- In plain terms
- Poets are not more useful to society than athletes playing a casual game.
- What can you take from it?
- Art and games offer similar value to society.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is the value of art?
- How do we measure usefulness?
Another view
This overlooks the unique cultural and emotional contributions of poetry.
More from Paul Valery
A businessman is a hybrid of a dancer and a calculator.
Permalink to quote #22 A man who is 'of sound mind' is one who keeps the inner madman under lock and key.
Permalink to quote #24 Politics is the art of preventing people from taking part in affairs which properly concern them.
Permalink to quote #21
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