Robert Frost Philosophizes on the Human Condition

Frost’s richness and depth of thought are contained not only in his poetry but in his prose writings and letters, and often manifest themselves in philosophical speculation about the nature of humanity. However, Frost’s philosophy is not readily apparent, as it lies buried underneath a seemingly simple surface, with lulling meter and wry jokes that tend to hide the unexpected profundity of the poet’s thought.

It would be easier to prophesy that man will go a long way with science than to prophesy about how far he will go in character

In this letter, Frost comments on the march of progress, and on the limitations of the human condition. Typed Letter Signed, Homer Noble Farm, Ripton, Vermont, July 11, 1962, to a Mr. Thompson. “I know no greater pleasure than to have the reporter get me right and on top of that have the editor get me right in philosophy. It would be easier to prophesy that man will go a long way with science than to prophesy about how far he will go in character. I wish I could write you a whole article about the doctrine you enunciate. It is scattered uncollected in my collected poems. Thank you for your sympathy…” Homer Noble Farm was the place where Frost spent more than 20 summers and falls, from the death of his wife in March 1938 until his own death in 1963.