457 Quotes by W. H. Auden

And none will hear the postman’s knock Without a quickening of the heart. For who can bear to feel himself forgotten?

Recipe for the upbringing of a poet: 'As much neurosis as the child can bear.

Perhaps there is only one cardinal sin: impatience. Because of impatience we were driven out of Paradise, because of impatience we cannot return.

There's always another story. There's more than meets the eye.

It takes little talent to see what lies under one's nose, a good deal to know in what direction to point that organ.

To be free is often to be lonely.

Some writers confuse authenticity, which they ought always to aim at, with originality, which they should never bother about.

What is a Professor of Poetry? How can poetry be professed?

Our researchers into Public Opinion are content That he held the proper opinions for the time of year; When there was peace, he was for peace: when there was war, he went. He was married and added five children to the population, Which our Eugenist says was the right number for a parent of his generation, And our teachers report that he never interfered with their education. Was he free? Was he happy? The question is absurd: Had everything been wrong, we should certainly have heard.