Walt Whitman is considered to be one of the most significant American poets during his time. He was born on May 31, 1819 and at the age of 12, he became infatuated with written words. From there, he started reading more and more books such as the Bible, the works of Shakespeare, Homer and Dante. It was not until 1848 that Whitman established his own "free soil" newspaper called the Brooklyn Freeman where he was able to thrive with his poetry. Seven years later, he wrote his first poetry book, "Leaves of Grass," that includes three of his most popular poems: 'I Sing the Body Electric,' 'The Sleepers,' and 'Song of Myself.' Quotes from these works and himself, along with other works, were recognized then and even today as being incredibly insightful, profound, and beautiful.
"I swear to you there are divine things more beautiful than words can tell."
"We were together, I forget the rest."
"Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you."
"Be curious, not judgmental."
"These are the days that must happen to you."
"The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters, is simplicity."
"Whatever satisfies the soul is truth."
"I have learned that to be with those I like is enough."
"Simplicity is the glory of expression."
"To have great poets, there must be great audiences."
"To me, every hour of the day and night is an unspeakably perfect miracle."
"The whole theory of the universe is directed unerringly to one single individual."
"I exist as I am, that is enough."
"The future is no more uncertain than the present."
"Every moment of light and dark is a miracle."
"I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars."
"Now I know the secret of the making of the best persons: It is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth."
"Can you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?"
"All truth waits in all things."
"Not I, nor anyone else can travel that road for you. You must travel it by yourself."
"Will you come travel with me? Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?"
"Either define the moment or the moment will define you."
"To begin, begin."
"Do anything, but let it produce joy."
As mentioned before, Walt Whitman had a tremendous effect in poetry in the United States and his work is still admired today. A last minute fact about Whitman, the first, original addition of his, Leaves of Grass, was found and sold for $305,000 in 2014.
If you would like to read more of his work, Amazon, Ebay or any bookstore will have his books to rent or purchase. Happy reading!
