Quote by Wallace Stevens

I do not know which to prefer, The beauty of inflections, Or the beauty of innuendoes, The blackbird whistling, Or just after.

I do not know which to prefer, The beauty of inflections, Or

Summary

This quote, by American poet Wallace Stevens, explores the ambiguity and complexity of aesthetic preferences. The speaker expresses a dilemma between two forms of beauty: the melodic inflections and subtle hints of innuendoes. They also contemplate the beauty of a blackbird's charming whistle and the silent peace that follows it. This quote highlights the contrasting aspects of beauty and the difficulty of choosing between them, ultimately inviting the reader to ponder the intricate nature of personal preferences and the array of wonders that surround us.

Topics

Beauty

By Wallace Stevens

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

Peace is not the product of a victory or a command. It has n

Peace is not the product of a victory or a command. It has no finishing line, no final deadline, no fixed definition of achievement. Peace is a never-ending process, the work of many decisions.

Oscar Hammerstein II

Peace

A country grows in history not only because of the heroism o

A country grows in history not only because of the heroism of its troops on the field of battle, it grows also when it turns to justice and to right for the conservation of its interests.

Aristide Briand

Nationalism Nation Nationality

Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do.

Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do.

Man Guilt

Today we are afraid of simple words like goodness and mercy

Today we are afraid of simple words like goodness and mercy and kindness. We don't believe in the good old words because we don't believe in good old values anymore. And that's why the world is sick.

Value

You say it is the good cause that hallows even war? I tell y

You say it is the good cause that hallows even war? I tell you: it is the good war that hallows every cause.

Friedrich Nietzsche

If you want to achieve things in life, you've just got to do

If you want to achieve things in life, you've just got to do them, and if you're talented and smart, you'll succeed.

Juliana Hatfield

Success

When words leave off, music begins.

When words leave off, music begins.

Music

I'm fortunate that I've been in this business long enough th

I'm fortunate that I've been in this business long enough that I've earned the right to be left alone by my record company.

Alone

The sick do not ask if the hand that smoothes their pillow i

The sick do not ask if the hand that smoothes their pillow is pure, nor the dying care if the lips that touch their brow have known the kiss of sin.

Purity

If you love me as you say you do,' she whispered, 'make it s

If you love me as you say you do,' she whispered, 'make it so that I am at peace.

Love Peace

Men must endure, their going hence even as their coming hith

Men must endure, their going hence even as their coming hither. Ripeness is all.

William Shakespeare

If there was less sympathy in the world, there would be less

If there was less sympathy in the world, there would be less trouble in the world.

Sympathy