Meaning: The quote by James Laughlin speaks to the subjective nature of poetry and the personal connection that individuals have with different poets and their works. Laughlin, a poet and the founder of New Directions Publishing Corporation, suggests that poetry reading is a highly individual experience, as people can have vastly different reactions to the same poets and their poetry.

In the first part of the quote, Laughlin acknowledges the diversity of preferences when it comes to poetry. He emphasizes the fact that what resonates with one person may not necessarily have the same impact on another. This highlights the unique and subjective nature of poetry appreciation, as individuals bring their own perspectives, experiences, and emotions to the reading of a poem. The quote suggests that the interpretation and appreciation of poetry are deeply personal and can vary widely from person to person.

Laughlin's mention of having friends who appreciate poets that do not resonate with him underscores the idea that poetic preferences are subjective. The poets that one person finds extraordinary and profound may appear ordinary and unremarkable to someone else. This variation in taste and perception further emphasizes the individualized nature of poetry reading.

The quote also touches on the idea that some poets may be perceived as "ordinary and pedestrian" by certain individuals. Laughlin's use of these terms suggests that not all poetry is universally acclaimed or appreciated. What may be considered mundane or unremarkable by one person might hold deep significance for another. This observation reinforces the notion that poetry is an art form that elicits diverse and often contrasting reactions from its audience.

Overall, this quote from James Laughlin underscores the subjectivity of poetry reading and the diversity of individual preferences when it comes to poets and their works. It highlights the deeply personal and unique nature of the connection that readers form with poetry, as well as the wide range of interpretations and emotional responses that can arise from engaging with poetic texts. Laughlin's words serve as a reminder that poetry is a deeply personal and subjective experience, with each reader bringing their own perspectives and sensibilities to the process of engaging with poetic works.