Since the printing press came into being, poetry has ceased to be the delight of the whole community of man; it has become the amusement and delight of the few.
John MasefieldRead
I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky; and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a longing for adventure and freedom found in the sea while seeking guidance in one's journey.
John Masefield's quote reflects the deep yearning for exploration and a connection with nature, particularly the sea. By mentioning the 'lonely sea and the sky,' he evokes a sense of solitude and reflection, while the desire for 'a tall ship and a star to steer her by' symbolizes the quest for direction and purpose in life's journey. It embraces the spirit of adventure and the importance of having guidance as one navigates through challenges.
Themes
SeaAdventureJourneyExplorationGuidance
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about pursuing your dreams, someone might quote this to inspire wanderlust.
More from John Masefield
All quotes βI must go down to the sea again For the call of the running tide It's a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied.
John MasefieldRead
Commonplace people dislike tragedy because they dare not suffer and cannot exult.
John MasefieldRead
What am I, Life? A thing of watery salt Held in cohesion by unresting cells, Which work they know not why, which never halt, Myself unwitting where their Master dwells?
John MasefieldRead
I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow rover, And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.
John MasefieldRead
Poetry is a mixture of common sense, which not all have, with an uncommon sense, which very few have.
John MasefieldRead
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