Christopher Smart
Christopher Smart was an English poet best known for his exuberant and innovative work during the 18th century. Born in 1722, he was educated at Oxford, where he developed a passion for literature and theology. His most famous poem, 'Jubilate Agno,' written during his time in an asylum, is a remarkable blend of religious fervor and imaginative language, showcasing his unique style and deep spirituality. The poem is notable for its unconventional structure and its celebration of the natural world, as well as its exploration of the relationship between humanity and the divine. Smart's life was marked by personal struggles, including mental health issues that led to his institutionalization. Despite these challenges, he produced a significant body of work that included hymns, odes, and translations. His poetry reflects a keen observation of the world around him and an innovative use of form that influenced later Romantic poets. Smart's legacy lies in his ability to merge the sacred and the secular, leaving an indelible mark on English literature, particularly in the realm of devotional poetry and the exploration of the human psyche.
Famous Quotes
View all 16 quotes“Because you can't argue with all the fools in the world. It's easier to let them have their way, then trick them when they're not paying attention.””
“George Bush made a mistake when he referred to the Saddam Hussein regime as 'evil.' Every liberal and leftist knows how to titter at such black-and-white moral absolutism. What the president should have done, in the unlikely event that he wanted the support of America's peace-mongers, was to describe a confrontation with Saddam as the 'lesser evil.' This is a term the Left can appreciate. Indeed, 'lesser evil' is part of the essential tactical rhetoric of today's Left, and has been deployed to excuse or overlook the sins of liberal Democrats, from President Clinton's bombing of Sudan to Madeleine Albright's veto of an international rescue for Rwanda when she was U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Among those longing for nuance, moral relativism”
“Just like when there's a time that a smart person knows enough is enough, there's a time when you know you've got to fight.””
