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

Quote by Wallace Stevens

Topics: Wallace Stevens Quotes

Thought is an infection. In the case of certain thoughts, it becomes an epidemic.

Thought is an infection. In the case of certain thoughts, it becomes an epidemic.

In the world of words, the imagination is one of the forces of nature.

In the world of words, the imagination is one of the forces of nature.

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...

The way through the world is more difficult to find than the way beyond it.

The way through the world is more difficult to find than the way beyond it.

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,...

After the final no there comes a yes and on that yes the future of...

After the final no there comes a yes and on that yes the future of...

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...

As life grows more terrible, its literature grows more terrible.

As life grows more terrible, its literature grows more terrible.

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,...

If some really acute observer made as much of egotism as Freud has made of...

If some really acute observer made as much of egotism as Freud has made of...

Everything is complicated; if that were not so, life and poetry and everything else would...

Everything is complicated; if that were not so, life and poetry and everything else would...

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

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

Nothing could be more inappropriate to American literature than its English source since the Americans...

Nothing could be more inappropriate to American literature than its English source since the Americans...

Money is a kind of poetry.

Money is a kind of poetry.

Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake.

Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake.

The point of vision and desire are the same.

The point of vision and desire are the same.

Death is the mother of Beauty; hence from her, alone, shall come fulfillment to our...

Death is the mother of Beauty; hence from her, alone, shall come fulfillment to our...

Style is not something applied. It is something that permeates. It is of the nature...

Style is not something applied. It is something that permeates. It is of the nature...

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.

Intolerance respecting other people's religion is toleration itself in comparison with intolerance respecting other people's...

Intolerance respecting other people's religion is toleration itself in comparison with intolerance respecting other people's...