'The Genius Of The Crowd' by Charles Bukowski
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there is enough treachery, hatred violence absurdity in the average
human being to supply any given army on any given day
and the best at murder are those who preach against it
and the best at hate are those who preach love
and the best at war finally are those who preach peace
those who preach god, need god
those who preach peace do not have peace
those who preach peace do not have love
beware the preachers
beware the knowers
beware those who are always reading books
beware those who either detest poverty
or are proud of it
beware those quick to praise
for they need praise in return
beware those who are quick to censor
they are afraid of what they do not know
beware those who seek constant crowds for
they are nothing alone
beware the average man the average woman
beware their love, their love is average
seeks average
but there is genius in their hatred
there is enough genius in their hatred to kill you
to kill anybody
not wanting solitude
not understanding solitude
they will attempt to destroy anything
that differs from their own
not being able to create art
they will not understand art
they will consider their failure as creators
only as a failure of the world
not being able to love fully
they will believe your love incomplete
and then they will hate you
and their hatred will be perfect
like a shining diamond
like a knife
like a mountain
like a tiger
like hemlock
their finest art
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Genius Of The Crowd by Charles Bukowski
Whoever said poetry can't be raw, honest, and unapologetically real has clearly never read The Genius Of The Crowd by Charles Bukowski. This classic poem is a punch to the gut, a wake-up call, and a masterpiece of social commentary all wrapped up in one.
At its core, The Genius Of The Crowd is a scathing critique of society and the way we as humans tend to think and act in groups. Bukowski doesn't hold back as he paints a picture of a world where conformity and mediocrity are not only encouraged but celebrated. He takes aim at the masses who blindly follow leaders and trends, never stopping to question their own beliefs or consider the consequences of their actions.
The poem opens with the line, "there is enough treachery, hatred, violence, absurdity in the average human being to supply any given army on any given day." This is a bold statement to make, but it immediately sets the tone for what's to come. Bukowski doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of human nature, and he doesn't sugarcoat anything. Instead, he lays it all out on the table and challenges us to confront the ugliness within ourselves.
As the poem progresses, Bukowski delves deeper into the idea of the crowd mentality. He describes how people are desperate to fit in and be accepted, to the point where they'll do anything to be part of the group. This leads to a dangerous cycle of conformity, where no one is willing to speak out or go against the norm. Bukowski writes, "the best at murder are those who preach against it, and the best at hate are those who preach love, and the best at war finally are those who preach peace." It's a powerful statement about the hypocrisy and double standards that exist within society and the way we're conditioned to think.
One of the things that makes The Genius Of The Crowd such a powerful poem is Bukowski's use of language. His words are raw and visceral, and they pack a punch. He doesn't mince words or sugarcoat anything, instead opting for a blunt and direct approach. His writing is full of vivid imagery, such as when he writes, "the door of the asylum is open, and the inmates are in charge." It's a haunting image that stays with you long after you've finished reading.
Another aspect of the poem that stands out is Bukowski's ability to capture the essence of the human experience. He writes about the things that we all feel, but often struggle to put into words. He touches on the fear of being an outsider, the desire for acceptance, and the feeling of being trapped in a world that doesn't understand us. He writes, "there's no escape. we pay for the violence of our ancestors." It's a poignant reminder that our actions have consequences, and that we're all connected in ways we may not even realize.
Overall, The Genius Of The Crowd is a masterpiece of social commentary and a testament to Bukowski's skill as a writer. It's a poem that challenges us to confront the darker aspects of human nature and take a hard look at the society we've created. It's a call to action, urging us to break free from the cycle of conformity and think for ourselves. As Bukowski writes, "the crowd is untruth." It's up to us to find our own truth and live our lives on our own terms.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Genius of the Crowd: A Masterpiece of Bukowski's Poetry
Charles Bukowski, the American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his raw, unfiltered, and often controversial writing style. His works are a reflection of his own life experiences, and he often writes about the darker aspects of human nature. One of his most famous poems, "The Genius of the Crowd," is a powerful commentary on the nature of society and the human condition.
The poem begins with the line, "there is enough treachery, hatred, violence, absurdity in the average human being to supply any given army on any given day." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a scathing critique of society and the people who inhabit it. Bukowski is not afraid to call out the flaws and shortcomings of humanity, and he does so with brutal honesty.
The poem goes on to describe the "genius of the crowd," which Bukowski defines as the collective consciousness of society. He describes this genius as "a monster," a force that is both powerful and destructive. The crowd is capable of great things, but it is also capable of terrible things. Bukowski writes, "the best at murder are those who preach against it / and the best at hate are those who preach love / and the best at war finally are those who preach peace."
Bukowski's message is clear: society is full of contradictions and hypocrisy. The people who claim to be the most virtuous are often the ones who are the most corrupt. The crowd is capable of great things, but it is also capable of terrible things. Bukowski is not afraid to call out the flaws and shortcomings of humanity, and he does so with brutal honesty.
The poem is also a commentary on the nature of power and control. Bukowski writes, "the loud men behind the desks / who have made the wars / who have taken the very land / from the people / and the rewards / and the jails / and the hospitals / and they own the newspapers / and the police and they own everything." This line is a powerful indictment of those in power, who use their influence to control and manipulate society for their own gain.
Despite its bleak outlook, "The Genius of the Crowd" is not without hope. Bukowski writes, "the good deeds of the many / will be canceled by the faults of the few." This line suggests that while society may be flawed, there is still hope for change. The actions of a few can cancel out the faults of the many, and it is up to each individual to make a difference.
In conclusion, "The Genius of the Crowd" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that offers a scathing critique of society and the human condition. Bukowski is not afraid to call out the flaws and shortcomings of humanity, and he does so with brutal honesty. The poem is a commentary on the nature of power and control, and it suggests that while society may be flawed, there is still hope for change. Bukowski's message is clear: it is up to each individual to make a difference and to strive for a better world.
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