Quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
A poet ought not to pick nature's pocket. Let him borrow, and so borrow as to repay by the very act of borrowing. Examine nature accurately, but write from recollection, and trust more to the imagination than the memory.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the importance of an artist's ability to observe and draw inspiration from nature without simply replicating it. Instead of stealing from the natural world, a poet should respectfully borrow from it and repay by transforming their observations through the act of creation. In order to create authentic and imaginative work, it is advised to not solely rely on memory but also trust in the power of imagination. By examining nature accurately and then recollecting and reimagining it, a poet can produce original and meaningful poetry.