This poem is about the difference between two kinds of knowing. (In italian we would say the difference between "sapere" and "conoscere", that is "knowing about" and "familiarity with".) Let me say as an astronomer (no kidding) that it would be a grave mistake to think these two kinds of knowing are somehow in conflict or in contradiction with each other, that knowledge of a thing necessarily bans mystery or awe. At the same time, any astronomer who, every now and again, does not follow Walt into the woods at night to look up at the stars is a fool.
I am personally allergic to Whitman. I hold him responsible for much of the "free verse" which is an affront to poetry - and isn't Mathematics called the language of God?
This poem is about the difference between two kinds of knowing. (In italian we would say the difference between "sapere" and "conoscere", that is "knowing about" and "familiarity with".) Let me say as an astronomer (no kidding) that it would be a grave mistake to think these two kinds of knowing are somehow in conflict or in contradiction with each other, that knowledge of a thing necessarily bans mystery or awe. At the same time, any astronomer who, every now and again, does not follow Walt into the woods at night to look up at the stars is a fool.
I am personally allergic to Whitman. I hold him responsible for much of the "free verse" which is an affront to poetry - and isn't Mathematics called the language of God?
Thank you!