Reduced... to a crude formula, the Russian tragedy is precisely the tragedy of a society in which literature turned out to be the prerogative of the minority.
From Joseph Brodsky
By writing... in the language of his society, a poet takes a large step toward it. It is society's job to meet him halfway, that is, to open his book and read it.
The charge frequently leveled against poetry - that it is difficult, obscure, hermetic and whatnot - indicates not the state of poetry but, frankly, the rung of the evolutionary ladder on which society is stuck.
Art is a spirit seeking flesh but finding words.
In terms of freedom, America doesn't invite any comparison to Russia. It would be silly to make one. Every line that I care to write, I can have printed. There is no point to even talk about degrees.
A writer is seldom satisfied with the condition he finds himself in. We're all given to fretting a lot.
I had been imprisoned three times and had twice been incarcerated in a madhouse.
People who buy 'The National Enquirer' would buy poetry. They should be given a choice. I'm absolutely serious.
Time can be an enemy or a friend.
Any dispute in matters of taste usually results in a standoff.
17 perspectives
12 perspectives
9 perspectives
7 perspectives
6 perspectives
2 perspectives