W.H. Auden Quotes

A collection of quotes by W.H. Auden.

W.H. Auden (1907-1973) was a renowned Anglo-American poet, characterized by his distinctive writing style and wide-ranging themes. Born in England, Auden gained prominence in the 1930s and became a prominent figure among the leading poets of his time. His works often explored complex emotional landscapes, political issues, and religious themes, blending formal poetic structures with modernist techniques. Auden's notable collections include "The Age of Anxiety" and "Collected Poems." Today, he is remembered as a significant influence on modern poetry and for his profound insights into the human condition.

Looking up at the stars, I know quite well That, for all the

Looking up at the stars, I know quite well That, for all they care, I can go to hell, But on earth indifference is the least We have to dread from man or beast. How should we like it were stars to burn With a passion for us we could not return? If equal affection cannot be, Let the more loving one be me. Admirer as I think I am Of stars that do not give a damn, I cannot, now I see them, say I missed one terribly all day. Were all stars to disappear or die, I should learn to look at an empty sky And feel its total dark sublime, Though this might take me a little time.

Poetry Love

The religious definition of truth is not that it is universa

The religious definition of truth is not that it is universal but that it is absolute.

Truth Universal Vs Absolute

If equal affection cannot be,Let the more loving one be me.

If equal affection cannot be,Let the more loving one be me.

Love Equality Relationships Affection

The true men of action in our time those who transform the w

The true men of action in our time those who transform the world are not the politicians and statesmen but the scientists. Unfortunately poetry cannot celebrate them because their deeds are concerned with things, not persons, and are therefore speechless. When I find myself in the company of scientists, I feel like a shabby curate who has strayed by mistake into a drawing room full of dukes.

Science

Without art, we should have no notion of the sacred; without

Without art, we should have no notion of the sacred; without science, we should always worship false gods.

Art Science Worship Sacred