“The mind often does not think, when it thinks that it is thinking.” — William Wordsworth | V2Melody

“The mind often does not think, when it thinks that it is thinking.”

Distinguishing genuine concentration from the appearance of thought · Conversation, recorded by Christopher Wordsworth

William Wordsworth

About William Wordsworth

William Wordsworth

7 April 1770–23 April 1850

William Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770 in Cockermouth, Cumberland, in the northwestern corner of England, and died on 23 April 1850 at Rydal Mount in the Lake District. Few poets have altered English literary culture so thoroughly. With Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Wordsworth helped establish the principles of…

More by William Wordsworth

Poems by William Wordsworth

More remarks by William Wordsworth

“It is possible for Poetry to give other enjoyments, of a purer, more lasting, and more exquisite nature.”

Seeking forms of poetic pleasure that deepen rather than merely divert · Preface to Lyrical Ballads, 1802

Joy
Poetry

“The Poet is the rock of defence for human nature, an upholder and preserver, carrying everywhere with him relationship and love.”

casting the poet's role as protector of common feeling · Preface to Lyrical Ballads, 1802

Love
Poetry

“I yield to none in love for my art. I, therefore, labour at it with reverence, affection, and industry.”

Presenting poetic craft as disciplined labour grounded in devotion to art · Conversation, recorded by Christopher Wordsworth