Poetry and consumption are the most flattering of diseases

Poetry and consumption are the most flattering of diseases

William Shenstone was an English poet and landscape designer who lived in the 18th century. He was known for his pastoral poetry and his love of nature. In his works, Shenstone often explored themes of consumption and desire, particularly in relation to poetry and the natural world.

The quote “Poetry and consumption are the most flattering of diseases” can be interpreted in a number of ways in the context of Shenstone’s work. On one level, it could be seen as a commentary on the consuming nature of poetry itself. Shenstone believed that poetry had the power to consume the reader, to captivate and enthrall them with its beauty and emotion. In this sense, poetry can be seen as a disease that infects the mind and soul, but in a flattering and seductive way.

Shenstone was also known for his love of consumption in a more literal sense. He was a connoisseur of fine food, wine, and art, and he enjoyed indulging in the pleasures of the senses. In this context, consumption can be seen as a disease of desire, a craving for beauty and pleasure that can never be fully satisfied. Shenstone’s poetry often reflects this sense of longing and yearning, as he explores themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of happiness.