I am reminded of the paradox presented early in the century by the
presumption of the existence of waves of matter on the one hand and
particles of light on the other. Which was the correct picture? The
German physicists [Werner] Heisenberg and [Max] Born solved the dilemma
by asserting that both pictures were equally true. From then on, with
the aid of their high mathematics, it became possible to describe
quantum phenomena whichever way one chose, according to the demands of
the occasion.
-- Stanley
Kunitz (Poet Laureate).
"
From feathers to iron,"
a lecture delivered at the Library of Congress, May 12, 1975
Washington : Library of Congress : U.S.
Govt. Print. Off., 1976.
The poetic imagination, in government as well as in literature, does not
ignore or suppress contradictions, but instead seizes the opportunity to
create out of them new accommodations, new reconciliations, and new
values. It was no accident that the President whom most Americans deem
greatest was at once eloquent and compassionate, a man of imagination.
In these days of confusion and alarm, when we yearn for greatness
again, it is appropriate to recall Keats' Shakespeare-echoing prayer:
"O for a Muse of fire to ascend!"
-- Stanley
Kunitz (Poet Laureate).
"
From feathers to iron,"
a lecture delivered at the Library of Congress, May 12, 1975
Washington : Library of Congress : U.S.
Govt. Print. Off., 1976.