Meaning: The quote "Don't ask who's influenced me. A lion is made up of the lambs he's digested, and I've been reading all my life" by Giorgos Seferis, a renowned Greek poet and diplomat, encapsulates the idea that an individual's knowledge and wisdom are shaped by the experiences, ideas, and teachings they have encountered throughout their life. It suggests that one's intellectual and creative growth is a result of assimilating and internalizing the works and thoughts of others. In this quote, Seferis evokes the metaphor of a lion being composed of the lambs it has consumed, implying that his own intellectual and artistic identity is a product of the diverse sources from which he has drawn inspiration.

Giorgos Seferis, born Georgios Seferiades in Smyrna (modern-day Izmir, Turkey) in 1900, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1963 for his eminent literary work, which showcased his profound understanding of the history and culture of Greece. Seferis' poetry often reflected his deep connection to his homeland and its rich heritage, while also demonstrating a modernist sensibility that resonated with readers across the globe.

The quote can be interpreted as a reflection of Seferis' own intellectual and artistic journey. It suggests that he does not attribute his creative influences to specific individuals or sources, but rather acknowledges the cumulative impact of all the literary and intellectual material he has encountered. Seferis was known for his wide-ranging knowledge of literature, philosophy, and history, and this quote underscores the idea that his intellectual formation was a result of the diverse and extensive reading he engaged in throughout his life.

Seferis' assertion that he has been "reading all my life" speaks to the enduring commitment to learning and intellectual exploration that characterized his approach to creativity. As a poet deeply rooted in the Hellenic tradition, Seferis was well-versed in the works of ancient Greek poets such as Homer and Sappho, as well as the modern Greek literary canon. His engagement with these seminal texts, along with the broader spectrum of world literature, undoubtedly informed his own poetic voice and thematic preoccupations.

Moreover, the metaphor of the lion and the lambs suggests that Seferis viewed the act of assimilating the ideas and works of others as an essential aspect of personal and artistic growth. By acknowledging the significance of the "lambs he's digested," Seferis emphasizes the transformative power of engaging with diverse literary and intellectual sources, each of which contributes to the formation of a more profound and multifaceted creative identity.

In conclusion, Giorgos Seferis' quote encapsulates the idea that an individual's intellectual and artistic development is a result of the diverse influences they have encountered and internalized. His own life and work exemplify the profound impact of wide-ranging reading and engagement with various intellectual traditions. By emphasizing the cumulative effect of the "lambs" he has absorbed, Seferis underscores the rich and complex nature of creative inspiration and the enduring importance of intellectual exploration in shaping one's artistic identity.