"What men build, in the name of security, is built of straw."

Mary Oliver Literature See all quotes by Mary Oliver →

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More by Mary Oliver

“To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.”

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

“But also I say this: that light is an invitation to happiness, and that happiness, when it’s done right, is a kind of holiness.”

“You want to cry aloud for your mistakes. But to tell the truth the world doesn't need any more of that sound.”

“I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. Also in singing, especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed.”

“I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.”

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