A man cannot write a poem or a story that will transform the whole nature of man, his reality and his truth, making them greater and nobler.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Saroyan argues that individual art cannot fundamentally change human nature or reality, implying a limit to what literature or stories can achieve.
- In plain terms
- A single poem or story cannot change human nature or reality.
- What can you take from it?
- Art has limits in transforming human nature or reality.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can art change human nature?
- What are the limits of storytelling?
Another view
This view dismisses the potential for art to inspire social change.
More from William Saroyan
I can't hate for long. It isn't worth it.
Permalink to quote #132 The streets made me, and the streets stink, but I love them, for I was born in them out of flesh and I was born in them out of spirit.
Permalink to quote #134 I had in my soul the greatest truths to tell, but when I came to the work of telling them I couldn't do it.
Permalink to quote #131
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