Human nature is like water. It takes the shape of it's container

Human nature is like water. It takes the shape of it's container

In the realm of poetry, Wallace Stevens is often celebrated for his profound exploration of the human experience and the complexities of existence. One of his most famous quotes, “Human nature is like water. It takes the shape of its container,” encapsulates a central theme in his work – the fluidity and adaptability of human nature.

Stevens believed that human beings are inherently malleable, capable of conforming to the circumstances and environments in which they find themselves. Just as water can take on the shape of whatever vessel it is poured into, so too can human nature be shaped and molded by the forces that surround it. This idea is reflected in many of Stevens’ poems, where he delves into the shifting nature of identity, perception, and reality.