W.H. Auden Quotations

W.H. Auden

A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep.

If there are any of you at the back who do not hear me, please don't raise your hands because I am also nearsighted.

Only the free have the disposition to be truthful,
Only the truthful have the interest to be just,
Only the just possess the will-power to be free.

The image of myself which I try to create in my own mind in order that I may love myself is very different from the image which I try to create in the minds of others in order that they may love me.

Those who will not reason
Perish in the act:
Those who will not act
Perish for that reason.

We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know.

What is a Professor of Poetry? How can poetry be professed?