Maddenation

Science and Poetry

I can’t remember where I found this, though I think it was somewhere in California:

In science, one tries to tell people, in such a way as to be understood by everyone, something that no one ever knew before. But in poetry, it’s the exact opposite. —Paul Dirac (1902-1989)

I’d like to know if he was being funny or serious, whether he liked poetry and was giving it a ribbing, or hated it, but maybe it doesn’t totally matter. I think it’s a fun quote, one to work against.

Patrick • Quotes • 09/02/04 • 2 comments

Comments

Dad • 09/03/04 • 12:22 PM:

I like the quote, which should not surprise you. I think Dirac got it about right, although I have trouble with his use of the term “exact opposite.” Some poetry is actually understood by some people.

AJ • 09/10/04 • 6:52 PM:

Is poetry an art for artists? Writing for writers?

That’s why I hated architecture.

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