“Youth, youth- something savage- something pedantic. For example there is Mr. Masefield, there is Mr. Bennett. Stuff them into the flame of Marlowe and burn them to cinders. Let not a shred remain. Don't palter with the second rate. Detest your own age. Build a better one.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote, Virginia Woolf expresses her disdain for the mediocrity of contemporary writers like Mr. Masefield and Mr. Bennett, whom she considers "second rate." She yearns for a more innovative and bold approach to literature, urging the youth to reject the norms of their time and strive to "build a better one." This call to arms against complacency and conformity exemplifies Woolf's belief in the power of creativity and originality in art.
Modern Relevance
In this quote by Virginia Woolf, she calls for the rejection of mediocrity and the striving towards excellence. She urges the youth to not settle for second-rate work and to instead aim to build a better future. This message remains relevant today as we continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo in our society. Youth today can draw inspiration from Woolf's words to drive change and innovation in our world.
Virginia Woolf on Youth and Literary Influence
“Youth, youth- something savage- something pedantic. For example there is Mr. Masefield, there is Mr. Bennett. Stuff them into the flame of Marlowe and burn them to cinders. Let not a shred remain. Don't palter with the second rate. Detest your own age. Build a better one.” - Virginia Woolf. This quote exemplifies Woolf's belief in the importance of rejecting mediocrity and constantly striving for improvement in art and literature. She urges creators to challenge themselves and their contemporaries in order to push boundaries and create something truly exceptional.
Reflection Questions
Virginia Woolf's words challenge us to question and challenge the norms of our society. As we reflect on this quote, consider the following questions:
- How can we detach ourselves from the mediocrity of our current age and strive for excellence in our own lives?
- In what ways can we actively reject the "second-rate" and push ourselves to create a better future?
- How can we embrace the "savage" and "pedantic" aspects of youth in order to fuel our drive for progress and change?
- What practices or beliefs from our current age do we need to burn away in order to cultivate a more enlightened and progressive society?
- How can we approach our own personal growth and development with a critical eye towards improvement and innovation?
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