Nothing could be more inappropriate to American literature than its English source since the Americans are not British in sensibility.

Quote by Wallace Stevens

Topics: Wallace Stevens Quotes

Accuracy of observation is the equivalent of accuracy of thinking.

Accuracy of observation is the equivalent of accuracy of thinking.

Beauty is momentary in the mind The fitful tracing of a portal; But in the...

Beauty is momentary in the mind The fitful tracing of a portal; But in the...

One's ignorance is one's chief asset.

One's ignorance is one's chief asset.

The reason can give nothing at all Like the response to desire.

The reason can give nothing at all Like the response to desire.

The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself.

The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself.

The philosopher proves that the philosopher exists. The poet merely enjoys existence.

The philosopher proves that the philosopher exists. The poet merely enjoys existence.

It can never be satisfied, the mind, never.

It can never be satisfied, the mind, never.

Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake.

Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake.

We say God and the imagination are one... How high that highest candle lights the...

We say God and the imagination are one... How high that highest candle lights the...

The day of the sun is like the day of a king. It is a...

The day of the sun is like the day of a king. It is a...

I do not know which to prefer, The beauty of inflections, Or the beauty of...

I do not know which to prefer, The beauty of inflections, Or the beauty of...

Our bloom is gone. We are the fruit thereof.

Our bloom is gone. We are the fruit thereof.

Most people read poetry listening for echoes because the echoes are familiar to them. They...

Most people read poetry listening for echoes because the echoes are familiar to them. They...

If poetry should address itself to the same needs and aspirations, the same hopes and...

If poetry should address itself to the same needs and aspirations, the same hopes and...

It is the unknown that excites the ardor of scholars, who, in the known alone,...

It is the unknown that excites the ardor of scholars, who, in the known alone,...

Perhaps it is of more value to infuriate philosophers than to go along with them.

Perhaps it is of more value to infuriate philosophers than to go along with them.

Reality is not what it is. It consists of the many realities which it can...

Reality is not what it is. It consists of the many realities which it can...

To regard the imagination as metaphysics is to think of it as part of life,...

To regard the imagination as metaphysics is to think of it as part of life,...

Do not quench your inspiration and your imagination; do not become the slave of your...

Do not quench your inspiration and your imagination; do not become the slave of your...

He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies...

He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies...

Ancient metaphysics underwent many changes at the hands of medieval thinkers who brought it in...

Ancient metaphysics underwent many changes at the hands of medieval thinkers who brought it in...