" The poet existed among the cave men; he will exist among men of the atomic age, for he is an inherent part of man. Even religions have been born from the need for poetry, which is a spiritual need, and it is through the grace of poetry that the divine spark lives forever in the human flint. "
- Saint-John Perse

The poet, according to this view, has been an enduring presence throughout human history, from ancient times when people lived in caves to the modern era marked by advancements like atomic technology. This continuity suggests that poetry and its creators are deeply intertwined with our fundamental nature as humans.

At a deeper level, the quote implies that poetry fulfills a profound spiritual need within us all—a craving for transcendence, connection, and expression of the intangible aspects of life. It suggests that even religious beliefs have emerged from this universal human desire to articulate and connect with something greater than ourselves through poetic language. By nurturing this innate longing, poetry acts as a bridge between our earthly existence and a perceived divine realm, allowing the eternal essence of humanity to shine through.

Saint-John Perse, also known as Alexis Léger, was a French poet and diplomat who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1960. His work often explored themes of nature, exile, and the human condition, reflecting his own experiences living abroad for much of his life.