“To be a poet is a condition, not a profession.”
What this quote means
Robert Graves distinguishes here between profession and vocation. Being a poet is not a simple job, but a way of being in the world, a sensitivity that permeates all of life. This applies to any form of art: it's an identity, not a career. This quote encourages cultivating one's passion for its own sake, not for recognition or gain.
How to apply it daily
Cultivate your creative passion today, even if it's not your profession. Write, draw, compose, simply for the joy of creating.
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