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About this quote

What does it mean?
Political authority claims power over nature and immortality through simple declaration.
In plain terms
A leader declares a bee immortal and that is it.
What can you take from it?
Authority tries to control reality by declaring it.

Where it applies

  • politics
  • nature observation
  • critiquing leadership

Putting it to work

  • question authority
  • value nature
  • avoid hubris

Questions to consider

  • Can words make things real?
  • How does authority claim power?

Another view

It ignores that authority cannot change biological reality.

More from Wallace Stevens

  1. The bees came booming as if they had never gone, As if hyacinths had never gone. We say This changes and that changes. Thus the constant Violets, doves, girls,…

    Permalink to quote #123
  2. The President has apples on the table And barefoot servants round him, who adjust The curtains to a metaphysical 't'

    Permalink to quote #125
  3. The old seraph, parcel-gilded, among violets Inhaled the appointed odor, while the doves Rose up like phantoms from chronologies.

    Permalink to quote #122

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