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Kenneth Rexroth

56quotes

Kenneth Rexroth: A Poet of Rebellion
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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Kenneth Rexroth was born as Kenneth Patrick Rexroth on December 22, 1905. He is often referred to by his pen name, Ken Rexroth.

Birth and Death Dates


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Born: December 22, 1905
 Died: June 16, 1982

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Rexroth was an American poet, writer, and editor. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in American poetry during the mid-20th century.

Early Life and Background


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Kenneth Rexroth was born in South Bend, Indiana, to a family with strong artistic roots. His father was a lawyer, but his mother's side of the family included several writers and artists. This exposure had a significant impact on young Ken's development as an artist. He grew up in various locations across the United States and Europe due to his parents' frequent moves.

Rexroth began writing at a young age and developed a deep appreciation for literature and poetry. His early influences included Walt Whitman, William Blake, and the Imagist movement. In 1920, Ken attended the University of Chicago before leaving college in 1922 to travel extensively throughout Europe and Asia.

Major Accomplishments


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Rexroth's most notable achievements include:

Editorial Roles: He served as an editor for several publications, including _New Directions_ and _The New American Caravan_. Rexroth was instrumental in discovering new talent and promoting innovative writing.
 Poetic Contributions: His poetry often explored themes of social justice, politics, and personal freedom. Rexroth's work challenged conventional norms and pushed the boundaries of language.
Beat Generation Pioneer: As a key figure in the Beat movement, Ken Rexroth helped shape its aesthetic and philosophical underpinnings.

Notable Works or Actions


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Some of Rexroth's most notable works include:

_In Bad Company_ (1938) - A collection of poems that showcased his unique style.
_The Phoenix and the Tortoise_ (1950) - A comprehensive anthology of Beat poetry, which solidified Rexroth's influence on the movement.

Impact and Legacy


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Kenneth Rexroth's impact on American literature is immense. He played a crucial role in shaping the Beat Generation, paving the way for future generations of writers to explore new forms of expression.

Rexroth's commitment to artistic freedom, social justice, and personal liberation has inspired countless readers and writers. His poetry continues to resonate with audiences today, offering powerful commentary on the human condition.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Kenneth Rexroth is widely quoted and remembered for his:

Visionary Spirit: He embodied the rebellious spirit of the Beat Generation, challenging conventional norms and pushing the boundaries of language.
Prolific Output: Rexroth's extensive body of work has left an indelible mark on American literature.
 Influence on Future Generations: His contributions to the Beat movement have inspired countless writers, artists, and thinkers.

Quotes by Kenneth Rexroth

You don’t become a saint until you lead a good life whether in Tibet or Italy or America.
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You don’t become a saint until you lead a good life whether in Tibet or Italy or America.
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Japanese poetry does what poetry does everywhere: it intensifies and exalts experience.
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Japanese poetry does what poetry does everywhere: it intensifies and exalts experience.
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When the newspapers have got nothing else to talk about, they cut loose on the young. The young are always news. If they are up to something, that’s news. If they aren’t, that’s news too.
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When the newspapers have got nothing else to talk about, they cut loose on the young. The young are always news. If they are up to something, that’s news. If they aren’t, that’s news too.
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My heavy heart has gone this way before.
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My heavy heart has gone this way before.
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Did you know I staged the first performance in America of At the Hawk’s Well?
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Did you know I staged the first performance in America of At the Hawk’s Well?
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I’ve been around jazz and jazz musicians most of my life.
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I’ve been around jazz and jazz musicians most of my life.
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Imperceptible It withers in the world, This flower-like human heart.
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Imperceptible It withers in the world, This flower-like human heart.
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Harvey, Galileo, Copernicus do not seem occult to us, but they did so to their contemporaries, hierophants of the mysteries of Natural Law, revealers of the secrets of a New Order of the Ages. After all, the movement eventually came to be called the Age of Enlightenment.
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Harvey, Galileo, Copernicus do not seem occult to us, but they did so to their contemporaries, hierophants of the mysteries of Natural Law, revealers of the secrets of a New Order of the Ages. After all, the movement eventually came to be called the Age of Enlightenment.
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Ex-cons always say, “You never know what makes the wheels go round until you’ve done time in the joint.” This is even more true of psychiatric hospitals. It is a perfect mass hypostatization of society, the organization of the Social Lie.
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Ex-cons always say, “You never know what makes the wheels go round until you’ve done time in the joint.” This is even more true of psychiatric hospitals. It is a perfect mass hypostatization of society, the organization of the Social Lie.
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Bohemia is a commune in which the Revolution is over and everyone is a member of the aristocracy.
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Bohemia is a commune in which the Revolution is over and everyone is a member of the aristocracy.
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