Quotation by

Leonard Cohen

I always thought that poetry is the verdict that others give to a certain kind of writing. So to call yourself a poet is a kind of dangerous description. It's for others it's for others to use.

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Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Leonard Cohen is saying that being called a poet is a judgment made by other people, not something you can claim for yourself. He believes that the label "poet" should be given by others, making it risky to self-identify that way.

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He fertilizes a phrase or a line of poetry for weeks and then gives birth to it in a speech.

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Poetry asks people to have values, form opinions, care about some other part of experience besides making money and being successful on the job.
I don't know a better preparation for life than a love of poetry and a good digestion.