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John Ashbery Quotes

Powerful John Ashbery for Daily Growth

About John Ashbery

John Ashbery (July 28, 1927 – September 3, 2017) was an influential American poet, essayist, and art critic. Born in Rochester, New York, Ashbery grew up in a cultured household that fostered his appreciation for literature and art. His father, Clifford Ashbery, was a lumber magnate and art collector who introduced him to modern European painting, while his mother, Molly Katherine Newton Ashbery, was a talented pianist. Ashbery studied at Harvard University from 1945 to 1949, where he majored in English and philosophy. After graduating, he moved to New York City and worked as an assistant editor for the art magazine "Partisan Review." In 1956, his first book of poetry, "Some Trees," was published, which introduced his signature style of dense, surreal imagery and linguistic play. Throughout his career, Ashbery's work was heavily influenced by modernist poets such as T.S. Eliot, Marcel Duchamp, and the French Surrealists. He was also deeply inspired by the visual arts, often incorporating references to painting and sculpture in his poetry. Ashbery gained widespread recognition with the publication of "Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror" (1975), which won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1976. Other notable works include "Rivers and Mountains" (1966), "Flow Chart" (1991), and "Where Shall I Wander" (2005). Ashbery's poetry is known for its complex syntax, allusive language, and dreamlike imagery, which defy traditional narrative structures and push the boundaries of poetic form. In addition to his work as a poet, Ashbery was also an accomplished art critic. He wrote extensively on modern and contemporary art for publications such as "Art International" and "The New York Review of Books." Ashbery's critical essays explored the intersection between literature and visual arts, and helped to establish him as a leading voice in American cultural discourse. Throughout his long and prolific career, John Ashbery continued to push the boundaries of poetry, challenging readers with his innovative use of language and form. His work remains an important influence on contemporary poets, and his legacy continues to shape the literary landscape today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Suddenness is the vital element, always."

The quote emphasizes the importance of suddenness or unexpected moments in life. Such instances, according to John Ashbery, are essential because they signify energy, vitality, and a departure from the ordinary, providing us with fresh perspectives and possibilities for growth and creativity. Suddenness can awaken our senses, challenge our assumptions, and lead to transformation.

"We live entirely, usually, by faith and guess."

This quote suggests that human existence is largely based on faith (trust) and educated guesses rather than hard facts or empirical evidence. It underscores the subjective nature of our understanding and perception of reality, where personal beliefs, intuitions, and interpretations play significant roles in shaping our experiences and decisions.

"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home."

This quote by John Ashbery suggests that art provides an escape or journey, allowing individuals to explore new ideas, perspectives, and emotions, all within the confines of their own surroundings. Through creative expression, one can transcend the limitations of reality and embark on a voyage of discovery, without physically leaving home. Art, in essence, serves as a portal to other worlds, enabling us to temporarily escape our immediate circumstances and expand our mental horizons.

"I think it's a mistake to say anything you have to defend."

This quote emphasizes the power of self-expression and authenticity. By saying that it is a mistake to "defend" anything one has said, John Ashbery suggests that genuine ideas or thoughts do not require justification as they carry their own inherent value and logic. This perspective encourages openness, sincerity, and trust in the strength of one's beliefs, rather than feeling the need to prove or defend them constantly.

"And now we are belched in the future, the vast halls of time stretched before us like the endless highway that might be our destiny."

This quote by John Ashbery suggests a feeling of being propelled forward into an unknown future, much like being "belched" out from a larger entity or period (past). The "vast halls of time" represent the expansive and unending nature of time itself, while the "endless highway" symbolizes the long, unpredictable journey that lies ahead. Ashbery seems to evoke a sense of both trepidation and anticipation as we embark on this journey into the unknown.

The poem is sad because it wants to be yours, and cannot be.

- John Ashbery

Sad, Poem, Wants, Yours

I don't look on poetry as closed works. I feel they're going on all the time in my head and I occasionally snip off a length.

- John Ashbery

Going, Length, Works, Occasionally

I like poems you can tack all over with a hammer and there are no hollow places.

- John Ashbery

Places, Over, Poems, Hollow

There is the view that poetry should improve your life. I think people confuse it with the Salvation Army.

- John Ashbery

Think, Salvation, I Think, Confuse

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