Mark Strand: 'A life is not sufficiently elevated for poetry, unless, of course, the life has been made into an art.'

A life is not sufficiently elevated for poetry, unless, of course, the life has been made into an art.

The quote by Mark Strand, 'A life is not sufficiently elevated for poetry, unless, of course, the life has been made into an art,' suggests that a life can only be worthy of being captured in poetry if it has been transformed into an artistic creation. In other words, ordinary existence is not enough to inspire great poetry; it is the intentional shaping of one's life that allows it to rise to the level of artistry. This quote highlights the importance of purposefully crafting our experiences, choices, and perspectives to transcend the mundane and embrace a more elevated existence.At first glance, Strand's quote may seem like a straightforward reflection on the intertwining relationship between poetry and life. It reminds us that poetry, as a medium of artistic expression, is not meant to capture the banal details of everyday life but rather to distill the essence of profound experiences and emotions. Poetry is a transformative force, enabling us to view the world through a different lens and uncover hidden truths about ourselves and our surroundings.However, delving deeper into the quote, one can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that adds an intriguing dimension to the discussion. This concept is the idea of existentialism, which posits that individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning and purpose in life. By juxtaposing this notion with Strand's quote, we can explore the parallel between the artistic transformation of a life and the existentialist pursuit of self-actualization.Existentialism asserts that human beings are not inherently endowed with meaning or purpose. Instead, they must actively engage with their existence and make deliberate choices to create a fulfilling and worthwhile life. This resonates with Strand's notion that a life needs to be made into art, suggesting that the pursuit of an artistic life is akin to the existentialist endeavor to mold one's existence into something extraordinary.When we embrace the existentialist perspective, we recognize that art holds immense power in shaping our lives. Just as a poet carefully selects words to create a poem, we have the capacity to craft our experiences and perceptions to transform the raw material of everyday existence into something profound. Art, whether it be poetry, visual arts, music, or any other form, becomes a means through which we elevate our lives, leaving behind a mere existence and stepping into the realm of purposeful creation.This notion of making our lives into art also highlights the importance of self-reflection and introspection. Much like a poet contemplates each line and word choice, we too must examine and evaluate our choices, actions, and values. By engaging in self-examination, we can actively shape our lives into an ongoing work of art, constantly seeking refinement and growth.Furthermore, the quote by Strand prompts us to question the boundaries between poetry and life. Is it possible to seamlessly integrate these two realms, so that life itself becomes an uninterrupted poem? Perhaps the essence of living an artistic life lies in blurring these boundaries, where the mundane aspects of our existence merge with the poetic, creating a harmonious whole. This requires a heightened sensitivity to the world around us and a willingness to find beauty and meaning even in the most ordinary moments.In conclusion, Mark Strand's quote encapsulates the idea that a life must be intentionally transformed into an art form to be worthy of poetic representation. By exploring the connection between poetry and life, we are led to the concept of existentialism, which emphasizes the transformative power of deliberate choices and the pursuit of self-actualization. When we view our lives as works of art, we embrace the responsibility and opportunity to craft our experiences, values, and perspectives into something extraordinary. By blurring the boundaries between poetry and life, we create a symphony where every aspect of existence resonates with beauty, purpose, and meaning.