When power leads us toward arrogance, poetry reminds us of our limitations. When power narrows the areas of a person's concern, poetry reminds us of the richness and diversity of our existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses, for art establishes the basic human truths which must serve
as the touchstone of our judgment.
John F. Kennedy - Address,
Amherst College, October 26, 1963
We are the music-makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams;
World-losers and world-forsakers,
On whom the pale moon gleams:
Yet we are the movers and shakers
Of the world forever, it seems.
Arthur O'Shaughnessy
