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The critical opinions of a writer should always be taken with a large grain of salt. For the most part, they are manifestations of his debate with himself as to what he should do next and what he should avoid.

W. H. Auden

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W. H. Auden
Age: 66 †
Born: 1907
Born: February 21
Died: 1973
Died: September 28
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Jórvík
Wystan Hugh Auden
Wystan Auden
Wystan H Auden
W. H. Wystan Hugh Auden
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Sincerity is technique.
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I and the public know What all schoolchildren learn, Those to whom evil is done Do evil in return.
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To save your world you asked this man to die would this man, could he see you now, ask why?
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Few people take an interest in Iceland, but in those few the interest is passionate.
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Poetry might be defined as the clear expression of mixed feelings.
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In a land which is fully settled, most men must accept their local environment or try to change it by political means only the exceptionally gifted or adventurous can leave to seek his fortune elsewhere. In America, on the other hand, to move on and make a fresh start somewhere else is still the normal reaction to dissatisfaction and failure.
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The stars are dead. The animals will not look: We are left alone with our day, and the time is short, and History to the defeated May say Alas but cannot help nor pardon.
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All good art is in the nature of a letter written to amuse a sick friend. Too much art, particularly in our time, is only a letter written to oneself.
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But once in a while the odd thing happens Once in a while the dream comes true And the whole pattern of life is altered Once in a while, the moon turns blue
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The most important truths are likely to be those which society at that time least wants to hear.
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I will love you forever swears the poet. I find this easy to swear too. I will love you at 4:15 pm next Tuesday - Is that still as easy?
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Learn from your dreams what you lack.
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Each in the cell of himself is almost convinced of his freedom.
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Great art is clear thinking about mixed feelings.
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All works of art are commissioned in the sense that no artist can create one by a simple act of will but must wait until what he believes to be a good idea for a work comes to him.
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A dead man who never caused others to die seldom rates a statue.
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Without Art, we should have no notion of the sacred without Science, we should always worship false gods.
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Money cannot buy the fuel of love but is excellent kindling.
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The way to read a fairy tale is to throw yourself in.
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Death is the sound of distant thunder at a picnic.
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