“We deny that poetry is fiction; its merit and its power lie alike in its truth:”
The Monthly Magazine
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Letitia Elizabeth Landon 785
English poet and novelist 1802–1838Related quotes
“Truth disdains the aid of the law for its defence–it will stand upon its own merit.”
The Rights of Conscience Inalienable (1791)
Context: Truth disdains the aid of the law for its defence–it will stand upon its own merit. … It is error, and error alone, that needs human support; and whenever men fly to the law or sword to protect their system of religion, and force it upon others, it is evident that they have something in their system that will not bear the light, and stand upon the basis of truth. (p. 185)
“The truth is at the beginning of anything and its end are alike touching.”
Tsurezure-Gusa (Essays in Idleness)
Living in Truth (1986), An Anatomy of Reticence
Source: Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers (1895), P. 226.
Vol. 1, p. 8; "A Letter Concerning Enthusiasm".
Characteristicks of Men, Manners, Opinions, Times (1711)
“Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth.”
Pablo Picasso said something very similar. Perhaps it is the source? From Herschel B. Chipp’s Theories of Modern Art: "We all know that Art is not truth. Art is a lie that makes us realize truth, at least the truth that is given us to understand."
Disputed
Closing words, trans. G. A. Williamson
The Jewish War (c. 75 CE)
The Usurpation Of Language (1910)
Context: Though science makes no use for poetry, poetry is enriched by science. Poetry “takes up” the scientific vision and re-expresses its truths, but always in forms which compel us to look beyond them to the total object which is telling its own story and standing in its own rights. In this the poet and the philosopher are one. Using language as the lever, they lift thought above the levels where words perplex and retard its flight, and leave it, at last, standing face to face with the object which reveals itself.
