Thomas Hardy: 'Of course poets have morals and manners of their own, and custom is no argument with them.'

Of course poets have morals and manners of their own, and custom is no argument with them.

The quote by Thomas Hardy, "Of course poets have morals and manners of their own, and custom is no argument with them," encapsulates the unique perspective and individuality that poets possess. Hardy suggests that poets operate on their own set of values and principles, often defying societal norms and conventions. This quote highlights the creative freedom and autonomy that poets embrace, allowing them to challenge established customs and bring forth innovative ideas through their art.In straightforward terms, Hardy's quote implies that poets are not constrained by societal expectations or conventional morality. They have the liberty to shape their own morals and manners, guided by their intrinsic understanding of the world and their personal experiences. Poets have a remarkable ability to perceive the subtleties of life and translate their observations into thought-provoking verses.What makes this quote particularly intriguing is its underlying philosophy. By stating that "custom is no argument with them," Hardy implies that poets resist conformity and actively reject societal expectations. This challenges the notion that customs and norms should serve as a moral compass for individuals. Instead, Hardy suggests that poets find their own truth, untethered by the conventional wisdom dictated by society.This philosophical concept can be seen as a rebellion against the status quo, as poets often delve into realms untouched by mainstream society. They plunge into the depths of human emotions, explore the intricacies of relationships, and unveil the hidden facets of existence. In doing so, poets uncover unconventional perspectives that may challenge prevailing ideologies, norms, and customs.The importance of this quote lies in its celebration of individuality and the freedom of artistic expression. Hardy acknowledges that poets possess their own moral and ethical frameworks, which allows them to diverge from the predetermined paths that society lays before them. By embracing this difference, poets help expand our collective understanding and challenge ingrained societal constructs.It is worth noting, however, that this quote does not imply that poets lack morals entirely. On the contrary, the first part of the quote asserts that poets have their own set of morals and manners. This recognition affirms that poets are not devoid of ethics, but rather have a unique perspective that may differ from conventional wisdom.This contrast between the poets' morals and customs presents an interesting paradox. While customs serve as a framework for societal order and are often rooted in shared values and principles, poets offer an alternative lens through which to view the world. They remind us that customs shouldn't be blindly followed but should be subject to thoughtful scrutiny and reflection.In conclusion, Thomas Hardy's quote reminds us of the autonomy and distinctiveness of poets. Their defiance of conventional customs and their ability to forge their own morals and manners challenge the foundations of societal norms. By doing so, poets expand our understanding of the world, offering fresh perspectives that inspire introspection and reflection. In celebrating poets' individuality, we can learn to question customs that may not withstand the test of time, allowing for the continual evolution of our collective consciousness.