A Quote by W. H. Auden

The commonest ivory tower is that of the average man, the state of passivity towards experience.

W. H. Auden

Quote Topics

Average Average Man Experience Ivory Ivory Tower Man Passivity State Towards Tower

Quote Author

W. H. Auden
English - Poet
February 21, 1907 - September 29, 1973

I am an idealist. I often feel I would like to be an artist in an ivory tower. Yet it is imperative that I speak to people, so I must desert that ivory tower. To do this, I am a journalist - a photojournalist. But I am always torn between the attitude of the journalist, who is a recorder of facts, and the artist, who is often necessarily at odds with the facts. My principle concern is for honesty, above all honesty with myself.

W. Eugene Smith

The ivory tower of the artist may be the only stronghold left for human values, cultural treasures, man’s cult of beauty.

Anais Nin

The commonest form, one of the most often neglected, and the safest opportunity for the average man to seize, is hard work.

Arthur Brisbane

I don't see myself in an ivory tower.

Jeff Buckley

An ivory tower is a fine place as long as the door is open.

Walter Darby Bannard

I'd much rather be in the world than in some ivory tower somewhere.

Andrew Garfield

I think the obligation of a poet is not to be in an ivory tower; it is not to be isolated but to be among people.

Maria Teresa Horta

I don't want to live in an ivory tower, being the songwriter who just turns inward.

Billie Joe Armstrong

We are hurtling towards self-destruction at an alarming rate thanks chiefly to an advertising and propaganda system that goads people from infancy towards apathy, isolation, passivity, helplessness and separation.