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About this quote

What does it mean?
All good poets can critique, but not all critics can write poetry.
In plain terms
Poets understand criticism; critics may not make art.
What can you take from it?
Creation implies understanding craft.

Where it applies

  • arts critique
  • teaching
  • evaluating work

Putting it to work

  • value experience
  • respect creators

Questions to consider

  • Must a critic create?
  • Do you trust do more?

Another view

Some critics excel without creating.

More from William Shenstone

  1. Whoe'er has traveled life's dull round, Where'er his stages may have been, May sigh to think he still has found The warmest welcome, at an inn.

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  2. A fool and his words are soon parted.

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  3. Her cap, far whiter than the driven snow, Emblem right meet of decency does yield.

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