Zbigniew Herbert quotes

Zbigniew Herbert was a renowned Polish poet, essayist, and moralist, celebrated for his philosophical depth and resistance to oppression. His works often reflect themes of history, ethics, and the individual's struggle against authoritarianism. He became an influential voice in Polish literature and a symbol of integrity under difficult times. Here are 9 of his quotes:

I turn to history not for lessons but to confront my experience with the experience of others and to win for myself a sense of responsibility for the state of the human conscience.

Zbigniew Herbert

Be courageous when the mind deceives you Be courageous In the final account only this is important.

Zbigniew Herbert

Go for it is the only way to be accepted to the circle of cold skulls the circle of your forefathers: Gilgamesh Hector Roland defenders of the kingdom of no frontiers and of the city of ashes Be faithful Go.

Zbigniew Herbert

And do not forgive indeed it is beyond your power to forgive in the name of those betrayed at dawn.

Zbigniew Herbert

Go where the others have gone, to the tenebrous limit for the golden fleece of void, your ultimate prize go upright among those who are on their knees among those turning their backs on and those fallen to dust.

Zbigniew Herbert

You survived not to live on your time is short, you have to give a proof of truth.

Zbigniew Herbert

if the subject of art will be a broken jug a small broken soul with a great self-pity what will remain of us will be like tears of lovers in a small dirty hotel when wallpapers dawn.

Zbigniew Herbert

His poems, even in English, seem to me finer than anything currently being written by any English or American poet.

Zbigniew Herbert