Quotation by

Denis Diderot

When superstition is allowed to perform the task of old age in dulling the human temperament, we can say goodbye to all excellence in poetry, in painting, and in music.

Denis Diderot

Poetry

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Diderot is saying that if people let irrational beliefs or fears take over as they grow older, it will weaken their creative spirit. This loss of vitality will prevent them from producing great works in poetry, painting, and music.

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All bad poetry springs from genuine feeling.

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A poem begins as a lump in the throat, a sense of wrong, a homesickness, a lovesickness.

Poetry is a deal of joy and pain and wonder, with a dash of the dictionary.