Quote by Robert Penn Warren
If, in the middle of World War II, a general could be writing a poem, then maybe I was not so irrelevant after all. Maybe the general was doing more for victory by writing a poem than he would be by commanding an army. At least, he might be doing less harm. By applying the same logic to my own condition consultant in poetry at the Library of Congress, I decided that I might be relevant in what I called a negative way. I have clung to this concept ever sincenegative relevance. In moments of vain-glory I even entertain the possibility that if my concept were more widely accepted, the world might be a better place to live in. There are a lot of people who would make better citizens if they were content to be just negatively relevant.
Summary
This quote reflects the author's contemplation on the value and relevance of unconventional roles during times of war. It suggests that even seemingly insignificant contributions, such as writing poetry, may have a more positive impact and do less harm than traditional methods like commanding armies. The author extends this concept to their own role as a poetry consultant, finding a sense of relevance in being "negatively relevant." In a moment of self-importance, the author even speculates that if this concept was widely accepted, it could potentially lead to a better world with individuals who prioritize being beneficial in a negative way.
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