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Arthur Symons Quotes

Powerful Arthur Symons for Daily Growth

About Arthur Symons

Arthur Symons (1865-1945), a significant figure in British literary circles at the turn of the 20th century, was renowned as both a poet and a critic. Born on February 7, 1865, in London, England, he spent much of his youth in a rather repressed household, which likely influenced his subsequent fascination with the avant-garde arts movement. Symons's intellectual pursuits led him to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he found little inspiration and left without taking a degree. However, he later established himself as a prolific writer and critic, contributing regularly to periodicals such as the "Yellow Book" and the "Savoy." In 1893, Symons published his first significant work, "The Symbolist Movement in Literature," which showcased his keen understanding of French symbolism. This book brought him to the attention of notable artists and writers like Oscar Wilde, Aubrey Beardsley, and W.B. Yeats. Symons's poetry, often dealing with themes of love, death, and spirituality, was marked by its intensity and originality. Some of his most celebrated poems include "The Double Image," "To a Master," and "The Tale of a Long-Legged Breeze." Later in life, Symons became increasingly interested in the mystical and the supernatural, reflected in works such as "A Vision" (co-authored with W.B. Yeats) and "The Quest for Corvo." His final work, "The Symbolist Movement in England," published posthumously, served as a comprehensive survey of English symbolism from 1889 to 1930. Throughout his life, Arthur Symons was a captivating and influential figure, who, despite battling mental health issues and alcohol addiction, made significant contributions to the world of literature and art. He died on August 21, 1945.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"All art is the translation of emotion into terms of form."

Arthur Symon's quote emphasizes that all forms of art are about expressing and communicating emotions through a chosen medium or structure, rather than mere representation of reality. It signifies that art serves as a bridge between the artist's inner feelings and the audience's perception, transforming abstract emotions into tangible, understandable expressions in the form of paintings, literature, music, dance, and more. In essence, art is a universal language that transcends borders and time, enabling us to connect with one another on an emotional level.

"Poetry at its best is not a turning loose of all the feelings, but an escape from them."

Arthur Symons suggests that exceptional poetry transcends raw emotions, instead providing a means to escape them. Poetry, in this perspective, offers an artistic outlet where the poet can detach themselves emotionally from their experiences and transform them into something more profound and universally relatable, thereby offering readers a similar escape.

"The poet's business is to be a bridge, not a barrier between his own mind and the universe."

Arthur Symons suggests that poets should function as conduits or bridges between their inner selves and the broader universe, rather than acting as insulating barriers that limit connection and understanding. This implies that poets have a unique role in fostering empathy, shared experiences, and transcendence by articulating profound truths and emotions from their personal experiences to resonate with others on a universal level.

"Art is the only medium through which the soul can express itself wholly."

This quote emphasizes that art, in all its forms, provides a unique platform for individuals to fully and authentically convey their inner selves, emotions, thoughts, and experiences. The 'soul' here symbolizes one's true essence or identity, suggesting that the deepest aspects of human nature can be better understood through artistic expression than through any other means. This perspective underscores the significance and power of art in allowing people to connect with each other on a profound level, fostering empathy, understanding, and emotional growth.

"We have aptly named our age the Age of Criticism, for it is the age that knows least how to criticise and most how to find fault."

The quote emphasizes a paradoxical aspect of our modern era, where we label it as an "Age of Criticism" yet fail to effectively critique. Instead, people tend to focus on finding flaws rather than constructive analysis or improvement. This highlights the gap between our capacity for criticism and its application in a productive manner, which is crucial for progress.

As perfume doth remain In the folds where it hath lain, So the thought of you, remaining Deeply folded in my brain, Will not leave me: all things leave me: You remain.

- Arthur Symons

Thought, Will, Remain, All Things

A realist, in Venice, would become a romantic by mere faithfulness to what he saw before him.

- Arthur Symons

Venice, Faithfulness, Would, Become

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