June 18, 2025

I believe democracy to be of all forms of government the most natural, the most consonant with individual liberty.

When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. For art establishes the basic human truths which must serve as the touchstone of our judgement.

To think contrary to one’s era is heroism. But to speak against it is madness.