Meaning: The quote "Poetry has been to me its own exceeding great reward; it has given me the habit of wishing to discover the good and beautiful in all that meets and surrounds me" is attributed to Samuel Taylor Coleridge, a renowned English poet, literary critic, and philosopher of the Romantic Movement. This profound statement encapsulates the transformative power of poetry in the poet's life and its influence on his perception of the world.

Coleridge's words express the idea that poetry, for him, is not merely a creative pursuit or an intellectual exercise, but a source of immense personal fulfillment. The phrase "its own exceeding great reward" suggests that the act of engaging with poetry has brought him a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that transcends any external recognition or material gain. It implies that the intrinsic value of poetry lies in the profound impact it has on the poet's inner being, shaping his worldview and enriching his experience of life.

Furthermore, Coleridge's statement highlights the transformative effect of poetry on his perception of the world. He speaks of how poetry has instilled in him "the habit of wishing to discover the good and beautiful in all that meets and surrounds" him. This reveals the poet's belief that through the practice of poetry, he has developed a habit of seeking out and appreciating the positive and aesthetically pleasing aspects of the world around him. This inclination towards perceiving the world through the lens of beauty and goodness is a testament to the profound influence that poetry has had on shaping his outlook and attitudes.

Coleridge's assertion also underscores the idea that poetry serves as a lens through which the poet can uncover the profound and meaningful aspects of existence. By cultivating a habit of seeking out the "good and beautiful," he suggests that poetry has enabled him to uncover deeper layers of significance and beauty in the people, nature, and experiences that populate his life. This aligns with the Romantic emphasis on the power of poetry to illuminate the sublime and the transcendent, leading the poet to perceive the world in a heightened and enriched manner.

In essence, Coleridge's quote encapsulates the idea that poetry, for him, is not merely a literary form or a creative outlet, but a profound and transformative force that has shaped his perception of the world. It speaks to the profound personal fulfillment that he derives from engaging with poetry and the enduring impact it has had on his disposition and outlook. Through his words, Coleridge invites us to consider the profound rewards that poetry can offer to those who engage with it deeply and attentively, and the transformative power it possesses to imbue life with beauty, meaning, and richness.

In summary, Samuel Taylor Coleridge's quote eloquently captures the profound impact of poetry on his life, emphasizing its role as a source of personal fulfillment and a catalyst for perceiving the world through a lens of beauty and goodness. His words invite us to contemplate the transformative power of poetry and its capacity to enrich and elevate our experience of life.