Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist who lived from 1819 to 1892. He is often referred to as the “father of free verse,” and his work has had a significant impact on American literature.
Whitman’s poetry is characterized by its expansive and inclusive vision, celebrating the beauty of nature, the human body, and the diversity of human experience.
Here are some of Walt Whitman quotes that capture the spirit of his poetry.
Famous Walt Whitman Quotes
On the beauty of nature:
“Now I see the secret of making the best person: it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.”
On the power of the individual:
“I am not a politician, I am an individual, a poet. What I can do is offer you my perspective, my vision of the world.”
On the importance of diversity:
“I celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.”
On the human body:
“I am the poet of the Body and I am the poet of the Soul, The pleasures of heaven are with me and the pains of hell are with me.”
On the meaning of life:
“The whole theory of the universe is directed unerringly to one single individual—namely to You.”
Walt Whitman Quotes on Nature and the Environment
“After you have exhausted what there is in business, politics, conviviality, and so on – have found that none of these finally satisfy, or permanently wear – what remains? Nature remains.”
“To me, every hour of the day and night is an unspeakably perfect miracle.”
“Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed.”
“Now I am terrified at the Earth, it is that calm and patient, It grows such sweet things out of such corruptions.”
“I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars.”
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“Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed.”
“To me the sea is a continual miracle; the fishes that swim, the rocks, the motion of the waves, the ships with men in them. What stranger miracles are there?”
“After you have exhausted what there is in business, politics, conviviality, and so on—have found that none of these finally satisfy, or permanently wear—what remains? Nature remains.”
“A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.”
“To me, every hour of the light and dark is a miracle, every cubic inch of space is a miracle.”
Walt Whitman Quotes on Individualism and Democracy
“I am not to speak to you, I am to think of you when I sit alone or wake at night alone.”
“I exist as I am, that is enough.”
“This is what you shall do; Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people.”
“I celebrate myself, and sing myself.”
“Do I contradict myself? Very well then, I contradict myself. I am large, I contain multitudes.”
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“The proof of a poet is that his country absorbs him as affectionately as he has absorbed it.”
“I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear.”
“O public road, I say back I am not afraid to leave you, yet I love you.”
“A great city is that which has the greatest men and women.”
“The strongest and sweetest songs yet remain to be sung.”
“The United States themselves are essentially the greatest poem.”
Walt Whitman Quotes on Humanity and Society
“I have learned that to be with those I like is enough.”
“The proof of a poet is that his country absorbs him as affectionately as he has absorbed it.”
“There is no week nor day nor hour when tyranny may not enter upon this country, if the people lose their confidence in themselves and lose their roughness and spirit of defiance.”
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“I do not ask the wounded person how he feels, I myself become the wounded person.”
“The whole theory of the universe is directed unerringly to one single individual — namely to You.”
“Do anything, but let it produce joy.”
“We were together. I forget the rest.”
Quotes – Walt Whitman on Spirituality and Mysticism
Walt Whitman, the celebrated American poet, explored themes of spirituality and mysticism throughout his work. Here are a few of his quotes on these subjects:
“I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars.”
“Now I see the secret of making the best person: it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.”
“Every moment of light and dark is a miracle.”
“Re-examine all you have been told. Dismiss what insults your soul.”
“I exist as I am, that is enough.”
“The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.”
“I am larger, better than I thought; I did not know I held so much goodness.”
“A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.”
“Be curious, not judgmental.”
“I am not afraid to argue with the gods.”
“I celebrate myself, and sing myself.”
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.”
“I am the poet of the Body and I am the poet of the Soul.”
Two Interesting Quotes from Walt Whitman
1. “The whole theory of the universe is directed unerringly to one single individual—namely to You.” (from “Democratic Vistas”)
This quote suggests that each individual is of great importance and that the universe is directed towards their growth and development.
2. “And your very flesh shall be a great poem.” (from “Song of Myself”)
This quote suggests that every aspect of a person, including their physical body, can be a source of spiritual and creative inspiration.
Concluding Words on Walt Whitman Quotes
Walt Whitman, one of the most influential poets in American literature, was known for his unique and powerful writing style. His works are full of wisdom, insight, and inspiration, and his words continue to resonate with readers today.
Walt Whitman reminds us of the power of self-expression. He believed that everyone has a voice and that everyone’s voice should be heard.
He encouraged people to speak out, to share their thoughts and feelings, and to express themselves freely
Whitman words remind us that our individuality is a gift, and that we should embrace it and use it to make a difference in the world.
He was a great advocate of nature and the importance of the environment. He believed that the beauty and power of nature can heal the soul and bring a sense of peace to our lives.
His words remind us to appreciate the natural world and to protect it for future generations. They are a call to action. He believed that we should all strive to make the world a better place, to be agents of change and to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Quotes Directory >> Walt Whitman Quotes
More information about Walt Whitman life and works.
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