Mark Van Doren Quotes

Wit is the only wall between us and the dark.

The important thing about a poem is the reader.

Wait not, my soul, on circumstance; it does not wait for you.

Bring ideas in and entertain them royally, for one of them may be the king.

ideas

The art of being taught is the art of discovery, as the art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery to take place.

teaching discovery

To be what no one ever was,
To be what everyone has been:
Freedom is the mean of those
Extremes that fence all effort in.

freedom

Memory performs the impossible for man; holds together past and present, gives continuity and dignity to human life.  This is the companion, this is the tutor, the poet, the library, with which you travel.

memory

Wit is the only wall
Between us and the dark.

wit