The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters, is simplicity.
20+ Best Walt Whitman Quotes & Wishes
Best Walt Whitman — handpicked quotes, wishes and messages to copy, share, or download as a free image card on GoodMorningQuotes.
Updated: October 2026
20 quotes
All
Hindi SuvicharUrdu Poetry & AdabSpanish ProverbsChinese ProverbsProverbs About MoneyIndian ProverbsRussian ProverbsTurkish ProverbsAfrican ProverbsPersian ProverbsProverbs About SuccessArab Proverbs
I bequeath myself to the dirt, to grow from the grass I love; if you want me again, look for me under your boot-soles.
Failing to fetch me at first, keep encouraged; missing me one place, search another; I stop somewhere waiting for you.
Re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book; dismiss whatever insults your own soul.
Behold, I do not give lectures or a little charity; when I give, I give myself.
Logic and sermons never convince; the damp of the night drives deeper into my soul.
I lean and loaf at my ease, observing a spear of summer grass.
Whoever degrades another degrades me.
Now I see the secret of the making of the best persons: it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.
I am the poet of the Body and I am the poet of the Soul.
Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road, healthy, free, the world before me.
From this hour I ordain myself loos'd of limits and imaginary lines.
O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done.
I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.
I exist as I am, that is enough.
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.
Do I contradict myself? Very well, then, I contradict myself; I am large, I contain multitudes.
Resist much, obey little.
Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.
I celebrate myself, and sing myself.