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Donald Justice Quotes

Powerful Donald Justice for Daily Growth

About Donald Justice

Donald Mercey Justice (1925-2004), an acclaimed American poet, was born on April 3, 1925, in Tampa, Florida. He spent his formative years in the small town of Zephyrhills, where he developed a deep appreciation for nature and the South. This upbringing significantly influenced his later work, as many of his poems reflect the beauty and simplicity of rural life. Justice attended Davidson College in North Carolina and received his undergraduate degree in 1946. He continued his education at Columbia University, where he earned a master's degree in 1948 and a Ph.D. in 1950. During this time, he was greatly influenced by the work of Robert Frost, John Crowe Ransom, and Allen Tate. In 1952, Justice published his first volume of poetry, "A Distant Music." This collection, along with subsequent works like "Five Poems" (1960), "The Summer Anniversaries" (1977), and the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Sunset Maker" (1971), established Justice as one of America's most respected poets. Justice taught at various institutions throughout his career, including Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, Florida State University, and the University of California, Irvine, where he served as Poet-in-Residence until his retirement in 1995. Throughout his life, Justice was known for his elegant and moving poetry that often explored themes of love, loss, memory, and the passage of time. His work is characterized by a keen sense of observation, a deep emotional resonance, and a mastery of form and language. Donald Justice passed away on January 21, 2004, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to be celebrated today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The heart's unanswered questions / Are more than the mind can bear."

This quote by Donald Justice highlights that our emotional, intuitive side (the heart) harbors queries and enigmas which exceed the capacity of logical reasoning or intellectual understanding (the mind). In other words, there are some profound mysteries in life that rational thinking alone cannot fathom; these deep, unresolved questions resonate more strongly within us emotionally than our cognitive abilities can fully grasp or resolve.

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven; a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to reap; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to laugh, and a time to weep." (This quote is not original to Donald Justice, but rather from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.)

This quote by Ecclesiastes, as interpreted by Donald Justice, emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, emphasizing that every event or phase has its appropriate time. It suggests that there are moments for growth (planting, reaping), destruction (killing, dying), joy (laughing), and sorrow (weeping). The quote encourages us to recognize and embrace these different seasons, understanding that they all serve a purpose in the grand tapestry of life.

"To find the truth of something you have to believe in it first."

This quote suggests that for one to understand or perceive the truth about something, a preliminary belief in it is often necessary. It implies that our initial beliefs can guide us towards understanding and discovering truth, but it also underscores the importance of an open mind and being willing to consider different perspectives. In essence, this quote highlights the interplay between belief and knowledge, and encourages us to believe in something in order to explore it more deeply.

"The secret of good poetry is sincerity. Believe in what you are saying and the reader will believe in it too."

This quote by Donald Justice underscores the importance of authenticity and conviction in the crafting of poetry. The emotional resonance that makes a poem impactful and relatable arises from the poet's genuine belief in their words. When an author speaks honestly about their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, they create a connection with the reader. By genuinely believing in what one is saying, a poet inspires trust in their readers, which, in turn, enhances the poem's overall effectiveness and power.

"It's like standing on a mountaintop, and all around you there is only silence. And that's when you realize how much you don't understand about anything."

This quote by Donald Justice reflects a profound moment of self-realization and humility. It suggests that in the face of nature's vastness and tranquility, one is reminded of their own limitations in understanding the world around them and life itself. The silence signifies a lack of answers or explanations, yet it serves as a catalyst for introspection, encouraging individuals to contemplate their place in the universe and seek wisdom beyond their current knowledge. Essentially, it emphasizes the beauty of mystery and encourages curiosity and learning.

Men at forty Learn to close softly The doors to rooms they will not be Coming back to.

- Donald Justice

Doors, Rooms, The Doors, Softly

If he could sleep on it. He would make his bed with white sheets And disappear into the white, Like a man diving, If he could be certain That the light Would not keep him awake, The light that reaches To the bottom.

- Donald Justice

Bed, Like, Could, Sheets

How shall I speak of Doom, and ours in special, But as of something altogether common?

- Donald Justice

Special, How, Altogether, Doom

There is no way to ease the burden. The voyage leads on from harm to harm, A land of others and of silence.

- Donald Justice

Land, Ease, Harm, Leads

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