by Whitman · Cluster: Self-Knowledge · Immortality · Self-Reliance

Abstract

Asks whether one has learned the stronger lessons from those who reject and oppose rather than admire one.

Connections

Themes & Concepts: Innocence and Experience, Self-Knowledge, Alienation, Identity, Conscience Forms & Genres: Epigram

Testo integrale / Full text

Cluster: SANDS AT SEVENTY

Have you learn’d lessons only of those who admired you, and were
tender with you, and stood aside for you?
Have you not learn’d great lessons from those who reject you, and
brace themselves against you? or who treat you with contempt,
or dispute the passage with you?