John Keats: 'Poetry should... should strike the reader as a wording of his own highest thoughts, and appear almost a remembrance.'

Poetry should... should strike the reader as a wording of his own highest thoughts, and appear almost a remembrance.

John Keats once said, "Poetry should... should strike the reader as a wording of his own highest thoughts, and appear almost a remembrance." This quote encapsulates the profound essence of poetry, its purpose, and its impact on the human experience. Keats suggests that when we connect with a poem, it resonates so deeply within us that it feels as if the words are an extension of our own thoughts, sometimes even evoking a sense of familiarity or déjà vu. This notion raises intriguing questions about the nature of inspiration, the universality of human emotions, and the role of art in translating and transmitting these ethereal concepts.At its core, Keats's quote emphasizes the power of poetry to tap into the collective consciousness of humanity. When we read a poem that strikes us deeply, it not only reflects our individual thoughts but also resonates with the thoughts and experiences of others throughout time. It is as if the poet's words plumb the depths of our souls, capturing something essential, universal, and timeless. In doing so, poetry becomes a vessel through which we connect with the thoughts and experiences of those who came before us, as well as with the countless individuals who exist in the present.But what does it mean for poetry to appear "almost a remembrance"? This intriguing phrase suggests that when we encounter a profound poem, it tugs at something within us that feels familiar, almost as if we are remembering something deeply ingrained within our being. It touches on the idea of a collective unconscious, a reservoir of shared memories, experiences, and knowledge that transcends individual lives. Poetry, as a form of art, has the unique ability to tap into this collective unconscious and bring forth sentiments, insights, and reflections that strike a chord within us.To further explore the concept of collective memory and the remembrance evoked by poetry, we can delve into the philosophy put forth by Plato in his "Theory of Forms." According to Plato, the physical world is but a mere reflection or imperfect copy of the realm of Forms, where the pure and perfect representations of abstract concepts exist. In this context, poetry can be seen as a bridge between the imperfect physical world and the realm of Forms. Through the suggestive power of imagery, metaphor, and language, poetry triggers a remembrance of the idealized forms, evoking profound emotions and insights that resonate with our highest thoughts.In essence, Keats's quote and the concept of poetry as a remembrance offer us a profound perspective on the significance of artistic expression. They remind us that poetry, and indeed any form of art, has the capacity to awaken within us a sense of shared humanity, connecting us not just with the poet's words but with the entire tapestry of human experience. It is through poetry that we can access the thoughts and emotions of countless souls, both past and present. This connection is what makes poetry a powerful medium for introspection, empathy, and self-discovery.Just as a dream can illuminate our subconscious mind and reveal hidden aspects of our psyche, poetry can serve as a mirror that reflects our deepest thoughts, desires, and fears back at us. It invites us to explore the vast landscapes of our own consciousness and to recognize the common threads that weave us together as human beings. In this way, poetry possesses a transformative quality, allowing us to transcend the limitations of our individual lives and connect with something greater than ourselves.So let us heed Keats's wisdom and approach poetry with open hearts and receptive minds. Let us seek out those verses that strike us as a wording of our own highest thoughts and provoke a sense of remembrance. Through poetry, we can glimpse the infinite possibilities of the human experience, sharing in the collective wisdom of the ages and finding solace, inspiration, and understanding along the way.