Walt Whitman (1819-1892)

Walter Whitman Jr. was an American poet, essayist, and journalist; he also wrote two novels. He is considered one of the most influential poets in American literature and world literature. Whitman incorporated both transcendentalism and realism in his writings and is often called the father of free verse. His work was controversial in his time, particularly his 1855 poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was described by some as obscene for its overt sensuality.

Quotes

The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges, or churches, or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors, but always most in the common people.

America
To the real artist in humanity, what are called bad manners are often the most picturesque and significant of all.
Wisdom is not finally tested in the schools, Wisdom cannot be pass'd from one having it to another not having it, Wisdom is of the soul, is not susceptible of proof, is its own proof.

Wisdom
You must not know too much or be too precise or scientific about birds and trees and flowers and watercraft; a certain free-margin, and even vagueness - ignorance, credulity - helps your enjoyment of these things.

Nature
What is it that you express in your eyes? It seems to me more than all the words I have read in my life.
I know nothing grander, better exercise, better digestion, more positive proof of the past, the triumphant result of faith in human kind, than a well-contested American national election.

America
Now I see 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.
I celebrate myself, and sing myself.
The poet judges not as a judge judges but as the sun falling around a helpless thing.

Poetry
Nothing endures but personal qualities.
Give me the splendid silent sun with all his beams full-dazzling.
Now I see 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.
The proof of a poet is that his country absorbs him as affectionately as he has absorbed it.
Has anyone supposed it lucky to be born? I hasten to inform him or her that it is just as lucky to die, and I know it.
Was it doubted that those who corrupt their own bodies conceal themselves?
Stranger, if you passing meet me and desire to speak to me, why should you not speak to me? And why should I not speak to you?
Do I contradict myself?
Very well then I contradict myself,
(I am large, I contain multitudes.)
Either define the moment or the moment will define you.
The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give.
In the faces of men and women I see God.

God