He who, in an enlightened and literary society, aspires to be a great poet, must first become a little child

He who, in an enlightened and literary society, aspires to be a great poet, must first become a little child

Thomas B. Macaulay, a renowned British historian and politician, once famously said, “He who, in an enlightened and literary society, aspires to be a great poet, must first become a little child.” This statement holds profound wisdom and insight into the nature of creativity and artistic expression. Macaulay's words suggest that in order to truly excel as a poet in a society that values knowledge and culture, one must possess a childlike sense of wonder, curiosity, and imagination.

To understand the significance of Macaulay's statement, it is important to consider the qualities that define a great poet. A great poet is someone who is able to capture the essence of human experience and emotion in a way that resonates with others. They have a unique ability to see the world through a different lens, to make connections that others may not see, and to express themselves in a way that is both profound and beautiful. In order to achieve this level of creativity and insight, one must be willing to embrace a childlike sense of wonder and openness to the world around them.

Children are known for their boundless imagination, their ability to see magic and wonder in the ordinary, and their uninhibited creativity. They are not constrained by the rules and conventions of society, but instead approach the world with a sense of curiosity and exploration. In many ways, children are the ultimate poets, able to see the world in a way that is fresh, new, and full of possibility.

By suggesting that aspiring poets must first become like children, Macaulay is emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder and openness to the world. In a society that values knowledge and sophistication, it can be easy to become jaded and cynical, to lose touch with the sense of magic and possibility that is inherent in the world around us. By embracing a childlike perspective, poets are able to tap into a wellspring of creativity and inspiration that can elevate their work to new heights.