If you look at the world with parted lips and a pure heart, and will the good, won't that make a true and beautiful poem? One's heart tells one that it will; and one's heart is wrong. There is no direct road to Parnassus.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Good intentions and a pure heart are not enough to guarantee good poetry.
- In plain terms
- You cannot write a true poem just by having a good heart; skill matters.
- What can you take from it?
- Writing poetry requires more than just good intentions or feeling.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is good enough to make good art?
- Do you prioritize feeling or technique?
Another view
Good intentions might still lead to meaningful work even if not technically perfect.
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