Walt Whitman Quotes


This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people.


Citations

Whitman, Walt. "Preface." Leaves of Grass, Rome Brothers, 1855, p. vi.

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Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman
  • Born: May 31, 1819
  • Died: March 26, 1892
  • Nationality: American
  • Profession: Poet

Walter Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. A humanist, he was a part of the transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works. Whitman is among the most influential poets in the American canon, often called the father of free verse. His work was controversial in its time, particularly his poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was described as obscene for its overt sensuality. Whitman's own life came under scrutiny for his presumed homosexuality.