Meaning: In this quote by James Merrill, he is referencing Arthur Young's book "The Reflexive Universe," and expressing his fascination with it while also acknowledging that it is too schematic to fit into his own scheme. The quote reflects Merrill's struggle to reconcile his own creative vision with the ideas presented in Young's work. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is important to delve into the backgrounds of both Arthur Young and James Merrill, as well as the concepts explored in "The Reflexive Universe."

Arthur M. Young was an American inventor, helicopter pioneer, and philosopher who is best known for his work in the field of metaphysics. In "The Reflexive Universe," Young presents a comprehensive theory that integrates physics, metaphysics, and consciousness. He introduces the concept of a "reflexive universe," in which the universe is not only self-aware but also evolving towards higher levels of consciousness. Young's book explores the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence, from the physical world to the realm of consciousness, and it offers a unique perspective on the nature of reality.

Meanwhile, James Merrill was a renowned American poet, known for his complex and innovative poetic style. Throughout his career, Merrill grappled with themes of spirituality, mortality, and the nature of existence. His poetry often reflects his engagement with various philosophical and metaphysical ideas, as well as his personal experiences and observations. Merrill's work is characterized by its lyrical beauty, intellectual depth, and keen exploration of the human condition.

When Merrill mentions that "The most I could hope for was a sense of the vocabulary and some possible images," he is acknowledging the limitations of incorporating Young's ideas directly into his own creative endeavors. It suggests that while he finds Young's concepts intriguing, they do not seamlessly align with his own artistic vision. Merrill may have found inspiration in the vocabulary and imagery used by Young, but he likely felt that the overall structure and framework of Young's ideas were too rigid to accommodate his own poetic exploration.

The tension between fascination and the inability to fully integrate Young's ideas into his own work highlights the complexities of artistic influence and creative autonomy. As an artist, Merrill grapples with the challenge of engaging with external concepts and philosophies while maintaining the integrity of his own artistic expression. This struggle is a common theme among artists who navigate the influence of external sources on their creative process.

In conclusion, James Merrill's quote regarding Arthur Young's "The Reflexive Universe" reflects his admiration for Young's ideas while also acknowledging the difficulty of incorporating them into his own creative endeavors. This quote invites us to consider the complexities of artistic influence and the challenges of reconciling external concepts with personal creative visions. It also provides insight into the intellectual and philosophical currents that informed Merrill's poetic exploration of the human experience.