Question

What is the meaning of the statement, "That I walk up my stoop, I pause to consider if it really be, / A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books" in Walt Whitman's Song of Myself?

1) Nature is more satisfying than any philosophy written by humanity.
2) Flowers are more ephemeral than human intelligence.
3) Education is useful only if it is comprehensible to the student.
4) The world is difficult to understand at any point in a person's life.

Answer 1

The statement in Walt Whitman's Song of Myself suggests that nature is more satisfying than philosophy. The speaker finds joy in observing a morning-glory flower at their window. This highlights the appreciation for the simplicity and beauty of nature over complex intellectual pursuits.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement, "That I walk up my stoop, I pause to consider if it really be, / A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books" in Walt Whitman's Song of Myself suggests that nature is more satisfying than any philosophy written by humanity. The speaker finds more joy and fulfillment in observing a morning-glory flower at their window than in studying abstract concepts like metaphysics in books. This statement highlights the speaker's appreciation for the simplicity and beauty of nature over complex intellectual pursuits.