There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
We might remind ourselves that criticism is as inevitable as breathing, and that we should be none the worse for articulating what passes in our minds when we read a book and feel an emotion about it, for criticizing our own minds in their work of criticism.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Criticism is a natural part of thinking and analyzing, especially when engaging with art like literature.
T. S. Eliot highlights the inevitability of criticism as a fundamental aspect of human thought. When we engage with literature or art, it is not only acceptable but essential to express our feelings and thoughts critically. By doing so, we not only enrich our understanding of the work but also engage in a dialogue with our own perceptions and emotional responses.
Themes
CriticismLiteratureEmotionThoughtAnalysis
In practice
Example use cases
During a book club meeting, we can use this quote to discuss the importance of sharing our thoughts and feelings about a book.
More from T. S. Eliot
All quotes βHalf of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
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I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
T. S. EliotRead
If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
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For I have known them all already, known them allβ Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
T. S. EliotRead
In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
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