Nobody, I think, ought to read poetry, or look at pictures or statues, who cannot find a great deal more in them than the poet or artist has actually expressed. Their highest merit is suggestiveness.

Summary

This quote suggests that to truly appreciate and comprehend poetry, visual art or statues, one must be able to interpret and see beyond what the artist or poet has conveyed explicitly. The quote emphasizes the merit of these forms of expression lies in their ability to evoke ideas, emotions, and meanings beyond their literal content. It promotes the idea that the true value and enjoyment of art and poetry come from the intellectual and emotional significance that individuals can derive from them through their own interpretation and personal experiences.

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