Poets are the hierophants of an unapprehended inspiration; the mirrors of the gigantic shadows which futurity casts upon the present; the words which express what they understand not; the trumpets which sing to battle, and feel not what they inspire; the influence which is moved not, but moves. Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.
"I Hate To Hear People Say This Judge Will Vote So And So, Because He Is A Democrat -- And This One So And So Because He Is A Republican. It Is Shameful. The Judges Have The Constitution For Their Guidance; They Have No Right To Any Politics Save The Politics Of Rigid Right And Justice When They Are Sitting In Judgment Upon The Great Matters That Come Before Them."
What I'm interested in doing after I get out of the presidency is to make sure that I'm working with that next generation so that they understand you can't just rely on inspiration.
The world still wants its poet-priest, a reconciler, who shall not trifle with Shakspeare the player, nor shall grope in graves with Swedenborg the mourner; but who shall see, speak, and act, with equal inspiration. For knowledge will brighten the sunshine; right is more beautiful than private affection; and love is compatible with universal wisdom.