June 6, 2025

Democracy becomes a government of bullies, tempered by editors.

Men in high places, from having less personal interest in the characters of others—being safe from them—are commonly less acute observers,

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.