A professor is someone who talks in someone else's sleep

A professor is someone who talks in someone else's sleep

W. H. Auden, the renowned poet and essayist, once famously said, "A professor is someone who talks in someone else's sleep." This enigmatic statement has been interpreted in various ways, but at its core, it speaks to the power of education and the influence that teachers have on their students.

In the context of Auden's work, this quote can be seen as a reflection of the role of the poet as a teacher and guide. Just as a professor imparts knowledge and wisdom to their students, a poet uses language and imagery to awaken new thoughts and emotions in their readers. Through their words, poets have the ability to speak to the subconscious mind, to stir the imagination, and to inspire change.

Auden himself was a master of this craft, using his poetry to explore complex themes such as love, politics, and the human condition. His work often delved into the depths of the unconscious, probing the hidden recesses of the mind and revealing truths that lie beneath the surface. In this way, Auden can be seen as a professor of the soul, guiding his readers through the labyrinth of their own thoughts and feelings.

But the quote can also be interpreted more broadly, as a commentary on the nature of teaching and learning. Just as a professor imparts knowledge to their students while they sleep, so too do teachers shape the minds of their pupils even when they are not actively engaged in the learning process. The lessons and ideas that teachers share with their students can linger in the subconscious, influencing their thoughts and actions long after the classroom has emptied.