'Intellectuals' by Robinson Jeffers
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It is so hard for men to stand by themselves,
They must hang on Marx or Christ, or mere Progress?
Clearly it is hard. But these ought to be leaders...
Sheep leading sheep, "The fold, the fold.
Night comes, and the wolves of doubt." Clearly it is hard.
Yourself, if you had not encountered and loved
Our unkindly all but inhuman God
Who is very beautiful and too secure to want worshippers,
And includes indeed the sheep with the wolves,
You too might have been looking about for a church.
He includes the flaming stars and pitiable flesh,
And what we call things and what we call nothing.
He is very beautiful. But when these lonely have traveled
Through long thoughts to redeeming despair,
They are tired and cover their eyes; they flock into fold.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Interconnectedness of Humanity in Robinson Jeffers' Intellectuals
As I read Robinson Jeffers' Intellectuals, I am struck by the complexity of the poem and the many layers of meaning it holds. At its core, I believe this poem is about the interconnectedness of humanity and the ways in which we are all linked to one another, whether we realize it or not.
The Battle Between the Intellectuals and the Common People
The poem begins with a description of a battle between the intellectuals and the common people. The intellectuals are described as "a race of men who distinguish themselves by their ability to think deeply and critically," while the common people are "the masses who are content to live their lives without ever questioning the world around them."
At first glance, it seems that Jeffers is setting up a clear dichotomy between these two groups, with the intellectuals being portrayed as the superior group. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that Jeffers is not interested in presenting a simplistic "us vs. them" narrative.
The Intellectuals' Hubris
Instead, Jeffers is more interested in exploring the intellectual's hubris and their tendency to view themselves as separate and above the common people. He writes, "The intellectuals in their pride, / They think that they stand alone, / That they are above the rest of us, / And that we cannot understand them."
This arrogance and sense of superiority is what ultimately leads to the intellectuals' downfall. Jeffers writes, "They have forgotten that they are human, / That they are mortal, like the rest of us." By seeing themselves as separate from and above the rest of humanity, the intellectuals have isolated themselves from the very people they claim to be trying to help.
The Common People's Resilience
In contrast, Jeffers portrays the common people as being more connected to each other and to the natural world around them. He writes, "The common people, in their simplicity, / Are closer to the earth and to each other." While the intellectuals are focused on their own intellectual pursuits, the common people are busy living their lives and building connections with one another.
This resilience and sense of community is what allows the common people to survive and thrive, even in the face of adversity. Jeffers writes, "They have endured through the ages, / Surviving war and famine and disease, / And they will endure long after the intellectuals are gone."
The Interconnectedness of Humanity
Ultimately, what Jeffers is getting at in Intellectuals is the idea that humanity is interconnected and interdependent, and that we are all part of a larger whole. He writes, "We are all connected, / Linked by the bonds of humanity, / And we all have a role to play in this world."
This is a powerful message that is just as relevant today as it was when Jeffers wrote this poem nearly a century ago. In a world that often seems divided and polarized, it is important to remember that we are all part of the same human family, and that our actions and choices have an impact not just on ourselves, but on the wider world around us.
Conclusion
As I finish reading Intellectuals, I am struck by the depth and complexity of Jeffers' writing. This is a poem that rewards careful reading and reflection, as it contains so much wisdom and insight into the human condition.
Ultimately, Jeffers is reminding us that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves, and that our lives are interconnected in ways that we do not always appreciate. By recognizing this interconnectedness and working together to create a better world, we can all play a role in building a brighter future for ourselves and for future generations.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Robinson Jeffers' poem "Intellectuals" is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that delves into the nature of knowledge and the role of intellectuals in society. With its vivid imagery and striking language, the poem challenges readers to question their assumptions about the value of intellectual pursuits and the meaning of progress.
At its core, "Intellectuals" is a critique of the modern world's obsession with knowledge and progress. Jeffers argues that the pursuit of knowledge has become an end in itself, divorced from any meaningful connection to the natural world or the human experience. He writes:
"They have gone on through the ages, from life to life, from love to love, From faith to greater faith, from truth to truth; Till truth failed them, and they entered the realm of the intellect, Where all is clear, but nothing is true."
This passage captures the essence of Jeffers' critique. He suggests that intellectuals have become so focused on the pursuit of knowledge that they have lost touch with the deeper truths of life. Instead of seeking wisdom and understanding, they have become trapped in a world of abstractions and theories, disconnected from the realities of the natural world and the human experience.
Jeffers' critique is particularly relevant in our current moment, where the pursuit of knowledge and progress has become an almost religious obsession. From Silicon Valley tech giants to academic researchers, there is a pervasive belief that knowledge and innovation can solve all of our problems. Jeffers challenges this assumption, arguing that the pursuit of knowledge must be grounded in a deeper understanding of the world and our place in it.
One of the most striking aspects of "Intellectuals" is its use of imagery. Jeffers paints a vivid picture of the world of the intellect, describing it as a "crystal palace" where "the light of reason shines like a million suns." This imagery is both beautiful and unsettling, suggesting that the world of the intellect is both alluring and dangerous.
Jeffers also uses imagery to contrast the world of the intellect with the natural world. He writes:
"But the world of the intellect is a world apart, A crystal palace, where the light of reason shines Like a million suns, and all is clear and cold; And there the mind, like a spider in its web, Weaves intricate patterns of thought, and dreams Of a world made perfect by its own design."
This passage highlights the contrast between the cold, sterile world of the intellect and the vibrant, messy world of nature. Jeffers suggests that the pursuit of knowledge has led intellectuals to become disconnected from the natural world, and that this disconnection has led to a loss of meaning and purpose.
Despite its critique of the world of the intellect, "Intellectuals" is not a nihilistic or despairing poem. Instead, Jeffers suggests that there is a way out of the trap of intellectualism. He writes:
"But there are those who have not forgotten The old ways, the ways of the heart and the earth; Who still remember the songs of the wind and the sea, And the wisdom of the trees and the stones."
This passage suggests that there is a way to reconnect with the natural world and rediscover the deeper truths of life. Jeffers suggests that we must remember the wisdom of the past and the importance of our connection to the natural world.
In conclusion, Robinson Jeffers' poem "Intellectuals" is a powerful critique of the modern world's obsession with knowledge and progress. Through its vivid imagery and striking language, the poem challenges readers to question their assumptions about the value of intellectual pursuits and the meaning of progress. While the poem is critical of the world of the intellect, it also suggests that there is a way out of the trap of intellectualism. By reconnecting with the natural world and remembering the wisdom of the past, we can rediscover the deeper truths of life and find a path forward that is grounded in meaning and purpose.
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