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John Masefield Quotes

Powerful John Masefield for Daily Growth

About John Masefield

John Masefield (1878-1967), an acclaimed British poet and novelist, was born on June 1, 1878, in Ledbury, Herefordshire, England. His early years were marked by a nomadic lifestyle due to his family's financial instability, which later influenced his strong affinity for the sea and maritime settings in his works. At the age of twelve, Masefield was sent to the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth where he developed a deep love for seafaring and nautical life. This experiences served as the foundation for many of his future literary works, most notably his epic poem, "Sea Fever." After leaving the navy in 1895, Masefield worked various jobs including telegraphy and journalism before he was finally able to fully dedicate himself to writing. Masefield's first major work, "The Everlasting Mercy," a seafaring novel, was published in 1906. The book gained critical acclaim and established Masefield as a significant new voice in British literature. His most famous poem, "I Must Go Down to the Seas Again," was published in 1902 in his collection titled "Salt-Water Ballads." In 1923, Masefield was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his epic poem, "The Everlasting Mercy" and his novel "The World's End." His other notable works include the highly popular "The Box of Delights," a children's fantasy novel published in 1935, and "Rebecca and Rowena," a trilogy that tells the story of the Anglo-Saxon England. John Masefield died on May 12, 1967, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to inspire readers today. His works, with their evocative imagery and deep emotional resonance, have cemented his place as one of the most significant British authors of the early 20th century.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

This quote by John Masefield expresses a deep longing for freedom, adventure, and connection with nature, specifically the vast, open expanse of the sea and sky. It suggests a desire to escape from mundane or confined surroundings and immerse oneself in the raw, unspoiled beauty of the world beyond. This poetic expression resonates with those who feel an innate pull towards the wilderness, the unknown, and the exploration of self that such experiences can provoke.

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by."

This quote by John Masefield encapsulates a longing for adventure, freedom, and purpose. The "tall ship" symbolizes a vessel capable of carrying one on a grand journey, representing ambition, exploration, or a life's mission. The "star to steer her by" signifies guidance, a beacon of hope or a personal goal, providing direction in the vast, uncharted seas of life. Overall, it's an expression of the human spirit yearning for adventure and self-discovery, with a vision to navigate through life using principles that bring meaning and purpose.

"Announce in great words as you are gone, The time has come, the summer's day Is done, the sun has set, the eve is nigh."

This quote by John Masefield reflects a sense of finality and transition from the brightness and vibrancy of the day (symbolized by summer and sunlight) to the tranquility and quietude of the night (represented by evening). It underscores the inevitability of change, urging one to declare their departure with grandeur as a new phase is about to begin. The words carry an air of acceptance, wisdom, and maturity in acknowledging the end of one stage of life, while also welcoming the arrival of the next.

"A servant of the King, and I am true. To me the service is the highest part Of living, and my heart is full of it. And though I be but little, I am free."

This quote by John Masefield expresses a deep sense of devotion and duty towards one's leader or purpose (represented here as "the King"), with the servant seeing their service as the most significant aspect of life. The speaker values freedom alongside their dedication, indicating that they are not just following orders blindly but have chosen this path willingly. This quote emphasizes the importance of service and personal integrity in one's life mission.

"For we are spirits of the air, the fire, the sea and the land; We are the ministers of God, to do his will on earth."

This quote by John Masefield suggests a profound connection between humanity and the elements - air, fire, sea, and land. He views people as spiritual beings, not merely physical entities, and emphasizes our role in executing divine will on Earth. Essentially, he is implying that humans are agents of God, shaping and influencing the world around us, much like how each element plays a unique role in nature.

"To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

This quote by John Masefield encourages persistence and determination in pursuit of a goal or understanding. The words "to strive," "to seek," and "to find" suggest effort, exploration, and discovery, while "not to yield" emphasizes resilience and refusal to give up. Overall, the quote inspires the spirit of never-ending quest for knowledge, personal growth, and self-realization.

There are few earthly things more beautiful than a university a place where those who hate ignorance may strive to know, where those who perceive truth may strive to make others see.

- John Masefield

More, University, May, Earthly

It is too maddening. I've got to fly off, right now, to some devilish navy yard, three hours in a seasick steamer, and after being heartily sick, I'll have to speak three times, and then I'll be sick coming home. Still, who would not be sick for England?

- John Masefield

Navy, Some, Yard, Maddening

Since the printing press came into being, poetry has ceased to be the delight of the whole community of man; it has become the amusement and delight of the few.

- John Masefield

Printing Press, Being, Whole, Delight

Poetry is a mixture of common sense, which not all have, with an uncommon sense, which very few have.

- John Masefield

Uncommon, Very, Which, Common Sense

Coming in solemn beauty like slow old tunes of Spain.

- John Masefield

Beauty, Spain, Tunes, Solemn

It's a warm wind, the west wind, full of birds' cries.

- John Masefield

Warm, West, Cries, Wind

Once in a century a man may be ruined or made insufferable by praise. But surely once in a minute something generous dies for want of it.

- John Masefield

Made, May, Surely, Ruined

I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky; and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.

- John Masefield

Sky, Star, Again, Steer

The luck will alter and the star will rise.

- John Masefield

Luck, Star, Will, Rise

Commonplace people dislike tragedy because they dare not suffer and cannot exult.

- John Masefield

Tragedy, Dislike, Suffer, Dare

In this life he laughs longest who laughs last.

- John Masefield

Last, Laughs, He, Longest

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