Thoughts on T.S. Eliot

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"Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal." -- T.S. Eliot

This quote by American writer, T.S. Eliot intrigued me when I read it today. It caused me to question my own writing style, and if I am an imitator or a thief. Well, I thought about and I've decided that I’m definitely a thief. I say this because I take, take, take, and take some more from the world around me. I store it in my brain or write it down on pieces of paper. Then, I use all that I have gathered and I make an attempt to create something beautiful or just meaningful.

How about you? What's on your mind today. It seems like I've been gone so long. I just want to catch up with you to see how things have been. All are welcomed. Peace~


Comments

Rethabile said…
In that case we're all thieves, and I doubt there's a better way of becoming a writer. I think TS wants to tell us that it's OK to take (perhaps modify, etc) a line or two that pops into your head, knowing full well whose it is. Sometimes no other line or thought will do. As opposed to "amateurs" who write in the style of their mentor, perhaps unknowingly (imitation).

Take care, bro. Litumeliso ka lapeng.
Friday, March 07, 2008 2:22:00 AM
MJW said…
I like it. It's true, and I think there've been a lot of variations on it. Wilde's was "talent borrows, genius steals."

Since you asked...life's quite scattered at the moment. Deadlines here, deadlines there; trips coming up to New York, Kentucky, Montreal; just trying to get ahead of the curve and I keep finding there's more curve ahead.

But I'm okay. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. :-)

And how are you, my always-thoughtful friend?
Friday, March 07, 2008 9:14:00 AM
Lyrically speaking said…
Must agree with Rethabile that we are all thieves, we learn from life's experiences and as writers we use them to express ourselves.

What's on my mind? Food :) cause I had a lite lunch so can't wait to go home and make myself some dinner

Have a good weekend Mr. Bess
Friday, March 07, 2008 2:46:00 PM
the prisoner's wife said…
i love your definition of thief. i would have to say i also "take" in the world around me & it comes out in poems/prose.

on my mind? Spring Break...and more importantly, SUMMER!!! lol. i'm already TIRED & looking toward the end of this school year.
(just did a post about education...would like your insight)
Friday, March 07, 2008 3:48:00 PM
Sheba Brooks Moore said…
collective consciousness subconsciousness...think a thought and it enters the atmosphere...for inspiration and tools for the soul...we all are more connected then we think...
Sunday, March 09, 2008 7:27:00 PM
Anonymous said…
I been looking at your blog for a while and I enjoy the thoughts... I borrow from the world, I think that's better than calling myself a thief lol. I borrow a little bit of this and a little bit of that and come up with something orginal.

...what's on my mind today? Me, Life, and where I want to be this time next year :)
Monday, March 10, 2008 12:01:00 PM
BloggersDelight said…
Thank you for taking the time to visit our corner of the blog-world and leave comments. You have been added to our blog-roll.
Monday, March 10, 2008 1:20:00 PM
Tha BossMack TopSoil said…
Im a fan, dude is tight to me.
Monday, March 10, 2008 1:50:00 PM
Stephen A. Bess said…
Thank you all for your wonderful comments. Bloggers Delight, thanks for the add.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 5:35:00 PM
Cergie said…
It is the same with pictures, you know. First I was unhappy, I thought other people do better
For instance landscapes. However, I have not much neautiful ladscape arround me. Now I'm fine with that : I photograph what is around me, what I like, where i live
So am I definitely a thief too
;o)

I found a quote which please to me very well and it does not the contrary of yours (the one of T.S. Eliot):


"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life"... (Steve Jobs)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 7:45:00 AM
Stephen A. Bess said…
Cergie-
Thank you for this additional quote. I like it. Yes, we have to follow the beat of our own drum.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 12:40:00 PM
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