Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart

William Wordsworth, a renowned English poet of the Romantic era, once famously said, “Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” This quote encapsulates the essence of Wordsworth’s poetic philosophy, which emphasized the importance of expressing one’s innermost thoughts and emotions through writing. For Wordsworth, poetry was not just a form of artistic expression, but a means of connecting with the deepest recesses of the human soul.

Wordsworth believed that true poetry should come from the heart, rather than from the intellect. He rejected the artificiality and pretentiousness of much contemporary poetry, which he felt was overly concerned with form and style at the expense of genuine emotion. Instead, Wordsworth advocated for a more personal and authentic approach to writing, one that drew inspiration from the natural world and the experiences of everyday life.

In his own poetry, Wordsworth sought to capture the beauty and wonder of the world around him, as well as the complex emotions that define the human experience. His poems often explore themes of nature, memory, and the passage of time, reflecting his deep connection to the natural world and his belief in the power of the imagination.

Wordsworth’s emphasis on writing from the heart has had a lasting impact on the world of literature. His poetry continues to resonate with readers today, thanks to its timeless themes and universal appeal. By encouraging writers to “fill their paper with the breathings of their heart,” Wordsworth inspired a new generation of poets to explore their own inner landscapes and to express their deepest thoughts and feelings through their work.