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Walt Whitman's Enduring Wisdom

18 Profound Quotes on Life and Self

Walt Whitman, celebrated as America's "world poet," left an indelible mark on literature with his evocative and thought-provoking words. His poetry, particularly his epic "Leaves of Grass," explored themes of individualism, nature, and the human experience. Here are 18 of his most profound quotes that continue to inspire and resonate with readers today:

1. "The world is too much with us; late and soon, / Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers."—Song of Myself
2. "I celebrate myself, and sing myself / And what I assume you shall assume."—Song of Myself
3. "The sun does not wait for me, so I will not wait for it."—Song of Myself
4. "I am large, I contain multitudes."—Song of Myself
5. "Life is a leaf of grass, / Insensible, exquisitely sensitive."—Leaves of Grass
6. "To have great poets, there must be great audiences too."—Democratic Vistas
7. "The greatest poet forms the consistence of what is to follow."—Democratic Vistas
8. "I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear."—I Hear America Singing
9. "A child said What is the grass? fetching it to me with full hands."—Song of Myself
10. "The grass is the flag of my disposition."—Song of Myself
11. "We were together, I forget the rest."—When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer
12. "I guess it must be the flag of my disposition, out of hopeful green stuff woven."—Song of Myself
13. "The most important thing about art is the work not done."—Specimen Days
14. "Perhaps the best is yet to come."—Leaves of Grass
15. "I have learned that to be with those I like is enough."—Song of Myself
16. "One world is above the sun for you." - When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd
17. "Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you."—Leaves of Grass

Whitman's words offer timeless insights into the human condition, urging us to embrace individuality, appreciate nature, and live life to the fullest. His profound and enigmatic quotes continue to provoke thought and inspire generations of readers to explore the complexities of life and the universe around them.