For the poet, the imagination is paramount, and . . . he dwells apart in his imagination, as the philosopher dwells in his reason, and as the priest dwells in his belief ... The imagination is the power of the mind over the possibilities of things.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Stevens asserts that imagination is the poet's primary tool, akin to reason for philosophers and belief for priests.
- In plain terms
- Imagination is the poet's main power, like reason for philosophers.
- What can you take from it?
- Cultivate imagination as a core creative skill.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does imagination enable for you?
- How do you balance imagination with craft?
Another view
It may undervalue the role of technique and discipline.
More from Wallace Stevens
The best definition of true imagination is that it is the sum of our faculties. Poetry is the scholar's art. The acute intelligence of the imagination, the ill…
Permalink to quote #185 The operation of the imagination in life is more significant than its operation in or in relation to works of art... in life what is important is the truth as …
Permalink to quote #187 The imagination loses vitality as it ceases to adhere to what is real. When it adheres to the unreal and intensifies what is unreal, while its first effect may…
Permalink to quote #184
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