Poems of Friedrich Hölderlin


 


Human Applause


Isn’t my heart holy, more full of life’s beauty,
   since I fell in love? Why did you like me more
      when I was prouder and wilder, more full
         of words, yet emptier?

Well, the crowd likes whatever sells in the
    marketplace; and no one but a slave
       appreciates violent men. Only those who
          are themselves godlike believe in the gods.

 

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Notes

 

If you're going to hang with the gods, just say no to capitalism and the military.

 

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