Poets are mysterious, but a poet when all is said is not much more mysterious than a banker

Poets are mysterious, but a poet when all is said is not much more mysterious than a banker

Allen Tate, a prominent American poet and critic, once famously said, “Poets are mysterious, but a poet when all is said is not much more mysterious than a banker.” This statement sheds light on the idea that poets, despite their reputation for being enigmatic and enigmatic figures, are not fundamentally different from individuals in other professions, such as bankers.

Tate's assertion challenges the romanticized notion of poets as otherworldly beings who possess a special connection to the divine or the supernatural. Instead, he suggests that poets are simply individuals who have chosen a particular vocation that involves a unique way of seeing and interpreting the world. In this sense, poets are not inherently more mysterious or inscrutable than individuals in other professions, such as bankers, who also have their own specialized knowledge and skills.

Furthermore, Tate's statement highlights the idea that poets, like bankers, are ultimately driven by practical concerns and considerations. While poets may be inspired by lofty ideals and emotions, they are also bound by the constraints of everyday life and the need to make a living. Just as bankers must navigate the complexities of the financial world, poets must navigate the complexities of language and artistic expression in order to communicate their ideas effectively.

Moreover, Tate's comparison of poets to bankers suggests that both professions require a certain level of expertise and dedication in order to be successful. Just as bankers must possess a deep understanding of economics and finance, poets must possess a deep understanding of language and literary techniques in order to craft meaningful and impactful works of art.