Nova Zhang
In an excerpt from The Courage to Be Yourself: E.E. Cummings on Art, Life, and Being Unafraid to Feel, E.E. Cummings writes about the difficulty of expressing oneself authentically through words. He encourages aspiring poets to embrace their unique feelings and experiences, even if it means fighting against the world's expectations. While this endeavour may sound dismal, Cummings believes it is a wonderful and invigorating life path. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance in the face of challenges, reflecting on the rarity of creating truly meaningful poetry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Being a poet | Hard work |
| Being yourself | Fighting the hardest battle |
| Expressing yourself in words | Requires hard work |
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What You'll Learn
Being a poet
E.E. Cummings, the poet, describes the process of becoming a poet as a difficult one, requiring a lot of "fighting and working and feeling". He says that being a poet is not easy, but it is a "wonderful life".
Cummings advises aspiring poets to be courageous and to embrace their feelings, echoing the poet Laura Riding's words on being oneself. He suggests that a poet is someone who feels deeply and is able to express those feelings through words.
To be a poet, one must be willing to put in the time and effort to find their unique voice and to keep fighting to express themselves truly, even when faced with challenges and a world that may be trying to change them. It is a continuous journey of self-discovery and expression.
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Expressing yourself
Cummings encourages aspiring poets and artists to embrace their feelings and use them as a tool for expression. He acknowledges that this process may sound straightforward, but it demands dedication and a willingness to confront emotions. The poet's advice serves as a reminder that creating art involves dedication and a readiness to persist through challenges.
To express yourself genuinely, it is essential to recognise and accept your feelings. This self-awareness lays the foundation for translating your emotions into words or other creative mediums. By doing so, you can create art that resonates with your true self and, perhaps, inspire others to do the same.
In a world that often encourages conformity, staying true to yourself can be a challenging yet liberating experience. It requires courage to express your unique perspective and emotions, but it is through this process that you can discover your authentic voice and contribute to a diverse tapestry of human expression.
Cummings' words remind us that expressing yourself authentically is a lifelong journey filled with learning and self-discovery. It is a process that requires dedication and a willingness to confront your emotions, but it ultimately leads to a more fulfilling and wonderful life.
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Fighting to be yourself
Being yourself is a battle, and it is one of the hardest battles you will ever fight. The world is constantly trying to change you, to mould you into someone else, to make you just another face in the crowd. But you must resist. You must fight to preserve your unique identity.
Being yourself means embracing your individuality and authenticity. It means having the courage to express your true thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, even when they may differ from those around you. It is about being honest with yourself and others, and staying true to your values and principles, even in the face of adversity.
The battle to be yourself is not an easy one. It requires courage, strength, and resilience. It can be lonely and frightening to stand apart from the crowd. You may face criticism, rejection, or even ridicule for daring to be different. But it is worth it. When you are true to yourself, you live a life of integrity and authenticity. You cultivate self-acceptance, self-love, and a sense of freedom that comes from being true to your inner nature.
To be yourself, you must first know yourself. Take the time to reflect on your values, your passions, and your beliefs. Explore your thoughts and emotions, and understand what makes you unique. Embrace your strengths and weaknesses, and celebrate your individuality. Surround yourself with people who accept and support you for who you are, and who encourage your authentic self to shine through.
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E.E. Cummings' work and influence
Edward Estlin Cummings, commonly known as E. E. Cummings, was an American poet, painter, essayist, author, and playwright. He is regarded as one of the most important American poets of the 20th century and is known for his modernist free-form poetry, which often features idiosyncratic syntax and lower-case spellings.
Cummings decided to become a poet as a child and wrote a poem a day between the ages of eight and twenty-two, exploring various traditional poetic forms. He studied Latin and Greek at Cambridge Latin High School and went on to attend Harvard University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude and a Master of Arts degree. During his time at Harvard, he developed an interest in modern poetry and began experimenting with avant-garde styles, ignoring conventional punctuation and syntax in favour of a dynamic use of language.
Cummings was influenced by notable modernists such as Gertrude Stein and Ezra Pound, and he was drawn to early imagist experiments. His visits to Paris exposed him to Dada and Surrealism, which were reflected in his writing style. Later in his career, he was criticised for settling into his signature style and not evolving further.
In addition to poetry, Cummings wrote four plays, with HIM (1927) and Santa Claus: A Morality (1946) being the most successful. He also wrote EIMI (1933), a travelogue of the Soviet Union, and gave the Charles Eliot Norton Lectures in poetry at Harvard University, which were later published as i: six nonlectures (1953). These lectures were highly personal accounts of his life and work, including his childhood, education, and experiences in New York and Paris.
Cummings received several honours during his lifetime, including an Academy of American Poets Fellowship, two Guggenheim Fellowships, and the Bollingen Prize in Poetry in 1958. He is known for his strong commitment to individuality and his satirical attacks on mass thought, group conformity, and commercialism. His work celebrates nature, love, and the imagination while denouncing the restrictions of modern society.
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The Marginalian newsletter
This week, we're reflecting on the words of E.E. Cummings, the renowned poet who encouraged us to embrace our unique selves and express our feelings through words. In his writings, Cummings challenges us to fight the hardest battle: "to be nobody-but-yourself in a world that is doing its best to make you everybody else."
Cummings recognized that using your own voice and truly being yourself is difficult. He likened it to "working just a little harder than anybody who isn't a poet can possibly imagine." However, he also believed that it is a wonderful and invigorating life path. So, if you ever feel discouraged or find yourself in a dismal mood, remember Cummings's courageous message: embrace your individuality and keep fighting the good fight.
In other news, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our patrons, whose support has kept The Marginalian ad-free and accessible to all for nearly two decades. It is a labor of love, and we are committed to continuing to provide depth and delight, free from the distractions of social media and algorithms.
If you appreciate The Marginalian and want to support our mission, please consider making a donation. Your contributions are invaluable and help ensure that we can continue to bring you inspiring content.
Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community. We hope that you continue to find nourishment and joy in the words and ideas we share.
Until next time,
The Marginalian Team
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Frequently asked questions
No, it does not have to sound dismal. It is about perspective and how one chooses to interpret a situation. While it may seem bleak at first glance, there is potential for growth and change.
Shifting your perspective starts with awareness. Pay attention to your initial reaction and then actively question it. Consider the broader context, the potential outcomes, and the lessons that can be learned. Reflect on past experiences where a positive outlook helped, and seek inspiration from others who have overcome similar challenges.
A positive outlook can improve your mental well-being, enhance your problem-solving abilities, and increase your resilience. It helps you to stay motivated, be more creative, and adapt to changes more easily. Research also suggests that positive thinking can improve physical health and even extend your lifespan.
Maintaining a positive outlook during difficult periods can be challenging, but it is achievable. First, focus on what you can control and take actionable steps toward a desired outcome. Surround yourself with a supportive network and practice self-care to ensure your physical and mental needs are met. Finally, practice gratitude for the present moment, no matter how small the blessings may seem.
