Keep in mind, he said this in 1921.
That comes from Eliot’s The Perfect Critic. Photo and credit to K Street Hipster on Twitter.
I’ve read that quote several times. And, the more I read it, the more I realize how it’s about much more than just writing. It’s about debate and how we gain knowledge.
That last sentence really struck a chord with me: “And when we do not know, or when we do not know enough, we tend always to substitute emotions for thoughts.”
How insightful is that? Think of online debates about Michael Brown or Eric Garner. Think of any debate or argument, really, online or not. How often do we let emotion get in the way of rational thought?
Great stuff from T.S. Eliot more than 90 years ago.