For something to be useful to the spirit is not very valuable to get your covered wagon across the desert. We have adopted that attitude so thoroughly that any American father whose son tells him he wants to write poetry will be embarrassed.

The quote by Miller Williams contrasts the differing values placed on practicality and spiritual nourishment in society. He points out that while some things may be deeply useful to the spirit, they are not always considered valuable in a traditional, material sense—like something essential for getting a covered wagon across the desert. This metaphor illustrates how society often prioritizes tangible, practical success over artistic or spiritual pursuits.

Williams critiques an attitude prevalent in American culture where practical achievements are valued more highly than creative or poetic expression. He observes that many American parents might feel embarrassed if their child aspires to become a poet, reflecting a broader societal tendency to undervalue the arts and the nurturing of the spirit. This reveals a tension between material success and the intangible, yet essential, nourishment of the human soul.

The origin of this quote comes from Miller Williams, an American poet and educator, who often explored themes of spirituality, human experience, and the role of art in society. His reflections challenge the narrow definitions of success and encourage a broader appreciation of what enriches human life beyond the practical.

In essence, Williams’s quote calls for a recognition of the importance of spiritual and artistic pursuits. It highlights the need to value the things that feed the human spirit, even if they don’t have obvious practical utility, reminding us of the deeper dimensions of human fulfillment.