Walt Whitman, the author of Leaves of Grass, is considered one of America’s most famous poets. He penned such lines as, “These are the days that must happen to you,” “Do anything, but let it produce joy,” and “I am large, I contain multitudes.” Here are 20 of the best Walt Whitman quotes.

1. “I am large, I contain multitudes”―Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

2. “Re-examine all you have been told. Dismiss what insults your soul.”―Walt Whitman

3. “Happiness, not in another place but this place…not for another hour, but this hour.”―Walt Whitman

4. “Resist much, obey little.”―Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

5. “What is that you express in your eyes? It seems to me more than all the print I have read in my life.”―Walt Whitman

6. “I am satisfied … I see, dance, laugh, sing.”―Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

7. “These are the days that must happen to you.”―Walt Whitman

8. “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.”―Walt Whitman

9. “Do anything, but let it produce joy.”―Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

10. “I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars.”―Walt Whitman

11. “We were together. I forget the rest.”―Walt Whitman

12. “I am as bad as the worst, but, thank God, I am as good as the best. ”―Walt Whitman

13. “I have learned that to be with those I like is enough.”―Walt Whitman

14. “Whatever satisfies the soul is truth.”―Walt Whitman

15. “Be curious, not judgmental.”―Walt Whitman

16. “I exist as I am, that is enough.”―Walt Whitman

17. “Failing to fetch me at first, keep encouraged. Missing me one place, search another. I stop somewhere waiting for you.”―Walt Whitman, Song of Myself

18. “Peace is always beautiful.”―Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

19. “And your very flesh shall be a great poem.”―Walt Whitman

20. “I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.”―Walt Whitman

21. “That you are here—that life exists, and identity;

That the powerful play goes on, and you will contribute a verse.”―Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

Related: “Oh Captain! My Captain!” If you love Walt Whitman, then chances are you love the film Dead Poets Society. Robin Williams as English teacher Mr. John Keating encourages his students to read these books and poems at Welton Academy.

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