Let that which stood in front go behind, let that which was behind advance to the front, let bigots, fools, unclean persons, offer new propositions, let the old propositions be postponed.
Walt Whitman
2006-09-26 16:51:45 · 9 answers · asked by apost 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
It means to think outside the box. Paradigm. When you think you know the answer to something, perhaps there is another, better answer waiting behind. It takes new perspective to bring on real change. If the same leaders keep their positions, nothing will ever change. Let someone who hasn't had the chance bring their ideas to the forefront. Let those in the forefront take a step back and listen to the unpopular opinion.
2006-09-26 17:02:47 · answer #1 · answered by monkeymom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"let that which stood in front go behind" - overcome obstacles;
"let that which was behind advance to the front" - don't ignore problems forever, solve them eventually;
"let bigots, fools, unclean persons, offer new propositions" - be open to new ideas;
"let the old propositions be postponed" - return to previous concepts only after the new ideas are fully explored.
Also, from the perspective of the second part of the quote, the first one can therefor be interpreted as a constant switch of values and concepts in order to make art. Rediscover old ideas and improve them by the means of new methods.
2006-09-26 17:04:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
CHANGE MANAGEMENT? LEADERSHIP MANAGEMENT? My interpretion - Giving a chance to the ones who had been in the rear to come forth, and lead for a change. Allow other people to propose new ideas, these will be new ideas and who knows, better ideas! (Though I do not agree with the choice of words for 'bigots, fools, unclean persons', as we should not classified people as such).
2006-09-26 17:26:48 · answer #3 · answered by TK 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Let things be. LIke leave nature alone.
Walt Whitman was a naturalist.
2006-09-26 16:55:30 · answer #4 · answered by fullofsunshine 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
He wanted humanity to loosen up, in general, get more creative, less conventional & become more tolerant.
D.
2006-09-26 17:06:52 · answer #5 · answered by Dan S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
INNOVATE, it is about time to introduce changes-fresh new radical ideas to change the world!
2006-09-26 17:01:54 · answer #6 · answered by grifter_xiii 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's just a new way of saying the last shall be first and the first shall be last.
2006-09-26 16:54:55 · answer #7 · answered by Kindred 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
He's New York's greatest poet and I still don't get him.
2006-09-26 17:02:40 · answer #8 · answered by roguetrader2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He was a homosexual in a time when homosexuality was considered a mental disease.
2006-09-26 16:54:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋