That public men publish falsehoods
Is nothing new. That America must accept
Like the historical republics corruption and empire
Has been known for years.
Be angry at the sun for setting
If these things anger you. Watch the wheel slope and turn,
They are all bound on the wheel, these people, those warriors.
This republic, Europe, Asia.
Observe them gesticulating,
Observe them going down. The gang serves lies, the passionate
Man plays his part; the cold passion for truth
Hunts in no pack.
You are not Catullus, you know,
To lampoon these crude sketches of Caesar. You are far
From Dante’s feet, but even farther from his dirty
Political hatreds.
Let boys want pleasure, and men
Struggle for power, and women perhaps for fame,
And the servile to serve a Leader and the dupes to be duped.
Yours is not theirs.
I fundamentally reject the premise of this poem. “Everything has been shit forever so you may as well let it go on being shit”. Shame on you, Mr Jeffers. The constant struggle for improvement is necessary for our societal progress and, in my opinion, most closely mirrors the actual Meaning Of Life.
All that is required for Evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
I don’t think that was exactly what he was saying. In my interpretation, he was speaking to the understandable despair and frustration of someone who sees “their people” succumbing to madness, empire, and ruin, and saying: They’re not “your” people. They never were. Their boat is sinking, in the long run, so have some courage in your separation and keep doing what you’re doing. We see you. It’s okay.
We all lift together. They are “our” people whether we want them to be or not. Looking at someone and saying, they are wrong, they have brought this upon themselves, they deserve their suffering and collapse, is not the way of the empathetic human being.
Correct though it may be, I still disagree with the premise. We could all raise each other up together instead of fighting amongst ourselves.
Unfortunately as with most things, this plan is largely ruined by expecting to include human beings in it. And I’m not immune to that criticism. But I, at least, make a constant and conscious effort to be a part of the rising tide that lifts all boats, and not the crashing wave that destroys them. If more people thought that way then we could turn this entire poem on its head.
Related: I am on the ride but I have never bought a ticket. How can I get down?
I also want to get off Mr. Bones’ wild ride
That public men publish falsehoods
Is nothing new. That America must accept
Like the historical republics corruption and empire
Has been known for years.
Be angry at the sun for setting
If these things anger you. Watch the wheel slope and turn,
They are all bound on the wheel, these people, those warriors.
This republic, Europe, Asia.
Observe them gesticulating,
Observe them going down. The gang serves lies, the passionate
Man plays his part; the cold passion for truth
Hunts in no pack.
You are not Catullus, you know,
To lampoon these crude sketches of Caesar. You are far
From Dante’s feet, but even farther from his dirty
Political hatreds.
Let boys want pleasure, and men
Struggle for power, and women perhaps for fame,
And the servile to serve a Leader and the dupes to be duped.
Yours is not theirs.
-Robinson Jeffers
I fundamentally reject the premise of this poem. “Everything has been shit forever so you may as well let it go on being shit”. Shame on you, Mr Jeffers. The constant struggle for improvement is necessary for our societal progress and, in my opinion, most closely mirrors the actual Meaning Of Life.
All that is required for Evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
I don’t think that was exactly what he was saying. In my interpretation, he was speaking to the understandable despair and frustration of someone who sees “their people” succumbing to madness, empire, and ruin, and saying: They’re not “your” people. They never were. Their boat is sinking, in the long run, so have some courage in your separation and keep doing what you’re doing. We see you. It’s okay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpF2qO2b9aY
We all lift together. They are “our” people whether we want them to be or not. Looking at someone and saying, they are wrong, they have brought this upon themselves, they deserve their suffering and collapse, is not the way of the empathetic human being.
Correct though it may be, I still disagree with the premise. We could all raise each other up together instead of fighting amongst ourselves.
Unfortunately as with most things, this plan is largely ruined by expecting to include human beings in it. And I’m not immune to that criticism. But I, at least, make a constant and conscious effort to be a part of the rising tide that lifts all boats, and not the crashing wave that destroys them. If more people thought that way then we could turn this entire poem on its head.
… Oh shit fella… I don’t know how to break this news gently.
You are the ride.
Hopefully folks are gathering to come save you!