Authors: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

100 Memorable Quotes By Walt Whitman, The Author Of Leaves Of Grass

Famous As: One of the Most Influential Poets in the American Canon, Regarded as the 'Father of Free Verse'
Born On: May 31, 1819
Died On: March 26, 1892
Born In: West Hills, New York, United States
Died At Age: 72
Popularly known as the Father of Free Verse, Walt Whitman was an American poet who revolutionized American poetry. He was called the ‘Bard of Democracy’ and is till date considered America’s most influential poet. He invented a poetic form and introduced a wide range of varied topics to American poetry, something that not many dared to then. His verse collection, ‘Leaves of Grass’ is a landmark in the history of American literature. It caused a stir upon its release as it expounded on frank sexual themes. Essentially a poet, Whitman also contributed as an essayist, journalist and teacher. During the American Civil War, he volunteered as a nurse. Whitman’s works are classics of today. He wrote at a time when the country was reeling under Civil War. As such, most of his works are realistic in nature and incorporate political views. One can also see traces of transcendentalism in Whitman’s works. Prose like in nature, Whitman’s poetries have unusual images and symbols. They also deal with the themes of death and sexuality, including prostitution. One can also witness the same in his quotes that touch varied topics. Read through this section and explore quotes by Walt Whitman.
Resist much, obey little.

Resist much, obey little.

Walt Whitman
What is that you express in your eyes? It seems to me more than all the print I have read in my life.

What is that you express in your eyes? It seems to me more than all the print I have read in my life.

Walt Whitman
Do I contradict myself? Very well, then, I contradict myself; I am large -- I contain multitudes.

Do I contradict myself? Very well, then, I contradict myself; I am large -- I contain multitudes.

Walt Whitman
Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.

Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.

Walt Whitman
We were together. I forget the rest.

We were together. I forget the rest.

Walt Whitman
Whatever satisfies the soul is truth.

Whatever satisfies the soul is truth.

Walt Whitman
Be curious, not judgmental.

Be curious, not judgmental.

Walt Whitman
I am large, I contain multitudes

I am large, I contain multitudes

Walt Whitman
I have learned that to be with those I like is enough

I have learned that to be with those I like is enough

Walt Whitman
I sound my barbaric yawp over the rooftops of the world.

I sound my barbaric yawp over the rooftops of the world.

Walt Whitman
Happiness, not in another place but this place...not for another hour, but this hour.

Happiness, not in another place but this place...not for another hour, but this hour.

Walt Whitman
Do anything, but let it produce joy.

Do anything, but let it produce joy.

Walt Whitman
I am as bad as the worst, but, thank God, I am as good as the best.

I am as bad as the worst, but, thank God, I am as good as the best.

Walt Whitman
Failing to fetch me at first, keep encouraged. Missing me one place, search another. I stop somewhere waiting for you.

Failing to fetch me at first, keep encouraged. Missing me one place, search another. I stop somewhere waiting for you.

Walt Whitman
And your very flesh shall be a great poem.

And your very flesh shall be a great poem.

Walt Whitman
Peace is always beautiful.

Peace is always beautiful.

Walt Whitman
I discover myself on the verge of a usual mistake.

I discover myself on the verge of a usual mistake.

Walt Whitman
Pointing to another world will never stop vice among us; shedding light over this world can alone help us.

Pointing to another world will never stop vice among us; shedding light over this world can alone help us.

Walt Whitman
I do not ask the wounded person how he feels, I myself become the wounded person.

I do not ask the wounded person how he feels, I myself become the wounded person.

Walt Whitman
These are the days that must happen to you.

These are the days that must happen to you.

Walt Whitman
God is a mean-spirited, pugnacious bully bent on revenge against His children for failing to live up to his impossible standards.

God is a mean-spirited, pugnacious bully bent on revenge against His children for failing to live up to his impossible standards.

Walt Whitman
The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters, is simplicity.

The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters, is simplicity.

Walt Whitman
Whoever you are, now I place my hand upon you/ That you may be my poem/ I whisper with my lips close to your ear/ I have loved many women and men, but I love none better than you.

Whoever you are, now I place my hand upon you/ That you may be my poem/ I whisper with my lips close to your ear/ I have loved many women and men, but I love none better than you.

Walt Whitman
Afoot and lighthearted I take to the open road, healthy, free, the world before me.

Afoot and lighthearted I take to the open road, healthy, free, the world before me.

Walt Whitman
If you done it, it ain't bragging.

If you done it, it ain't bragging.

Walt Whitman
If you want me again look for me under your boot soles.

If you want me again look for me under your boot soles.

Walt Whitman
Re-examine all you have been told. Dismiss what insults your soul.

Re-examine all you have been told. Dismiss what insults your soul.

Walt Whitman
Battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won.

Battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won.

Walt Whitman
And as to me, I know nothing else but miracles

And as to me, I know nothing else but miracles

Walt Whitman
Some people are so much sunshine to the square inch.

Some people are so much sunshine to the square inch.

Walt Whitman