If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?
Maya AngelouRead
Human beings love poetry. They don't even know it sometimes... whether they're the songs of Bono, or the songs of Justin Bieber... they're listening to poetry.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human beings have an innate appreciation for poetry, often unconsciously, through various forms of music.
In this quote, Maya Angelou highlights the deep-seated connection that people have with poetry, suggesting that it exists not only in classic forms but also in contemporary music. She emphasizes that whether it's through celebrated artists like Bono or pop icons like Justin Bieber, the lyrical quality of music resonates with our understanding and appreciation of poetry, often without us even realizing it.
Themes
PoetryMusicAppreciationArtLyrics
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the significance of lyrics in modern music, this quote would illustrate the connection between poetry and popular songs.
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I dreamt we walked together along the shore. We made satisfying small talk and laughed. This morning I found sand in my shoe and a seashell in my pocket. Was I only dreaming?
Maya AngelouRead
I know that I'm not the easiest person to live with. The challenge I put on myself is so great that the person I live with feels himself challenged. I bring a lot to bear, and I don't know how not to.
Maya AngelouRead
I think Clinton, after getting into office and into Washington, was shocked at being bludgeoned. So he spent time trying to be all things to all people - one way guaranteed not to be successful or respected in a lion's den. You can't just play around with all those big cats - you've got to take somebody on.
Maya AngelouRead
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On the whole, actors shout when they don't know what they're doing, trying to make an impact.
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