Meaning: The quote "Fact is based upon vulgar matter" is attributed to Charles Olson, an influential American poet associated with the Black Mountain school of poetry. This quote reflects Olson's belief in the importance of material reality and the physical world in shaping human understanding and perception. In his work, Olson often emphasized the significance of the body, history, and the landscape as essential components of poetic and intellectual inquiry.

Charles Olson was known for his exploration of the relationship between language, perception, and the physical world. His poetics were deeply influenced by his background in anthropology, history, and the study of ancient cultures. Olson's quote can be interpreted as a rejection of the tendency to separate the intellectual or abstract realm from the tangible and material aspects of existence. He emphasized the interconnectedness of language, thought, and the physical environment, suggesting that "fact" or truth is grounded in the raw, unrefined elements of the world.

In the context of Olson's broader philosophical and poetic framework, this quote can be seen as a rejection of idealism or pure abstraction in favor of a more embodied and grounded approach to knowledge and understanding. Olson's poetry often sought to capture the lived experience of the body and the sensory engagement with the world. By emphasizing the "vulgar matter," he was highlighting the significance of physicality, materiality, and the immediate, concrete aspects of human existence.

Moreover, Olson's quote can also be understood in light of his critique of traditional poetic forms and conventions. He sought to break away from established norms and explore new ways of engaging with language and poetic expression. For Olson, the "vulgar matter" may represent the raw, unfiltered language and experiences that resist conventional categorization or refinement. This aligns with his concept of "projective verse," which emphasized the organic and dynamic relationship between the poet, the poem, and the physical act of writing.

In the realm of knowledge and epistemology, Olson's quote challenges the notion of detached, purely intellectual pursuits of truth. By asserting that "fact is based upon vulgar matter," he invites a reevaluation of how we understand and construct knowledge. This perspective aligns with phenomenological and embodied approaches to cognition, which emphasize the role of the body and sensory experiences in shaping our understanding of the world.

In conclusion, Charles Olson's quote "Fact is based upon vulgar matter" encapsulates his emphasis on the embodied, material nature of truth and knowledge. It reflects his rejection of abstracted, disembodied forms of understanding in favor of a more grounded and sensory approach to perception and language. By highlighting the significance of "vulgar matter," Olson invites us to reconsider the ways in which we engage with the world and construct meaning from our experiences. His quote continues to resonate as a provocative and thought-provoking insight into the interplay between language, perception, and the physical realm.