Machines have no political opinions, but they have profound political effects. They demand a strict regimentation of time, and, by abolishing the need for manual skill, have transformed the majority of the population from workers into laborers. There are, that is to say, fewer and fewer jobs which a man can find a pride and satisfaction in doing well, more and more which have no interest in themselves and can be valued only for the money they provide.

Recipe for the upbringing of a poet: 'As much neurosis as the child can bear.

The stars are not wanted now, put out every one Pack up the moon & dismantle the sun.

The camera may do justice to laughter, but must degrade sorrow.

Shall memory restore The steps and the shore, The face and the meeting place.

I think the first prerequisite to civilization is an ability to make polite conversation.

The primary function of poetry, as of all the arts, is to make us more aware of ourselves and the world around us. I do not know if such increased awareness makes us more moral or more efficient. I hope not. I think it makes us more human, and I am quite certain it makes us more difficult to deceive.