'If Thou Could'st Empty All Thyself Of Self' by Sir Thomas Browne
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If thou could'st empty all thyself of self,
Like to a shell dishabited,
Then might He find thee on the ocean shelf,
And say, "This is not dead,"
And fill thee with Himself instead.
But thou are all replete with very thou
And hast such shrewd activity,
That when He comes He says, "This is enow
Unto itself - 'twere better let it be,
It is so small and full, there is no room for me."
Submitted by Elizabeth Curry
Editor 1 Interpretation
If Thou Could'st Empty All Thyself Of Self - A Masterpiece of Self-Reflection
Sir Thomas Browne, the 17th-century writer, was a prolific author known for his extensive vocabulary and deep insights into the human experience. It is in his poem, "If Thou Could'st Empty All Thyself Of Self", that we see his meditative and introspective nature at its finest. This poem, a masterpiece of self-reflection, speaks to readers on a personal level, encouraging us to examine our own lives and beliefs.
The Language of Self-Emptying
The first thing that strikes us about the poem is its language. Sir Browne uses a variety of images and metaphors to convey the idea of self-emptying. He begins by describing a "mystic sphere," a space that is beyond the reach of ordinary human perception. This sphere represents the vastness of the universe, and our small place within it. Browne goes on to describe the "infinite abyss" of this sphere, a bottomless chasm that represents the emptiness and nothingness that surrounds us.
The language used in this poem is quite powerful, and it is clear that Sir Browne was a master of his craft. The imagery he uses is vivid and evocative, and it is easy to see how it would have resonated with readers at the time. However, the real power of the poem lies in its message.
The Importance of Self-Reflection
Self-reflection is a theme that runs throughout the poem. Sir Browne encourages readers to "empty" themselves of their own ideas, beliefs, and prejudices, in order to see the world in a new light. He argues that by doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This is a powerful message that is still relevant today.
The poem also touches on the idea of humility, which is a key component of self-reflection. Sir Browne encourages readers to recognize their own limitations and to be humble in the face of the vastness of the universe. By doing so, we can gain a greater appreciation for the world around us, and the people and things that inhabit it.
The Poem as a Spiritual Guide
While the poem is not explicitly religious, it does have a spiritual dimension. Sir Browne's message of self-emptying and self-reflection is one that is often associated with meditation and other spiritual practices. The poem can therefore be seen as a guide for those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
There is also a sense of the sublime in the poem, as Sir Browne invites readers to contemplate the vastness of the universe and our place within it. This sense of awe and wonder is a common theme in religious and spiritual writing, and it is clear that Sir Browne was tapping into this tradition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "If Thou Could'st Empty All Thyself Of Self" is a masterpiece of self-reflection and introspection. Sir Thomas Browne's use of vivid imagery and powerful language conveys a deep sense of the importance of self-reflection, humility, and a recognition of our place within the universe. The poem is a spiritual guide that can help readers gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. It is a timeless work that continues to speak to readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
If Thou Could'st Empty All Thyself Of Self: A Deep Dive into Sir Thomas Browne's Classic Poem
Sir Thomas Browne's poem, "If Thou Could'st Empty All Thyself Of Self," is a masterpiece of introspection and self-reflection. Written in the 17th century, the poem is a meditation on the nature of the self and the importance of letting go of one's ego to achieve true enlightenment. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs of the poem, as well as its historical context and relevance to modern readers.
The poem begins with the lines, "If thou could'st empty all thyself of self, / Like to a shell dishabited, / Then might He find thee on the Ocean shelf, / And say, 'This is not dead,' / And fill thee with Himself instead." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a call to abandon one's ego and become receptive to a higher power. The metaphor of the shell, which is empty and waiting to be filled, is a powerful one, suggesting that the self must be emptied of all its preconceptions and biases in order to be filled with something greater.
The poem goes on to describe the various ways in which the self can be emptied. "But thou art all replete with very thou / And hast such shrewd activity, / That when He comes He says, 'This is enow / Unto itself - 'twere better let it be: / It is so small and full, there is no room for me.'" Here, Browne is suggesting that the self is often too full of itself to be receptive to a higher power. The ego is so strong that it leaves no room for anything else. In order to be filled with something greater, the self must be emptied of all its preconceptions and biases.
The poem then goes on to describe the various ways in which the self can be emptied. "Take heed of thyself, lest thou make a scarecrow of the law, / Exposing it to the laughter of the rude, / Or make thyself a motley to the view, / Setting the world upon a stage, and show / Thee and thyself, to be a ridiculous stranger." Here, Browne is warning against the dangers of pride and vanity. The self must be emptied of these qualities in order to be receptive to a higher power. The law must be respected, and the self must not be made a spectacle for the amusement of others.
The poem then goes on to describe the various ways in which the self can be emptied. "And when thou hast, as I / Commanded thee, done blabbing, / Although to give the lie / Deserves no less than stabbing, / Yet stab at thee who will, / No stab the soul can kill." Here, Browne is suggesting that the self must be emptied of all its fears and insecurities. The soul is immortal and cannot be killed by any external force. The self must be emptied of all its fears and insecurities in order to be receptive to a higher power.
The poem concludes with the lines, "Take therefore no thought for tomorrow, / For tomorrow shall take thought for the things of itself. / Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Here, Browne is suggesting that the self must be emptied of all its worries and anxieties. The present moment is all that matters, and the self must be fully present in order to be receptive to a higher power.
In terms of historical context, Browne was writing during a time of great religious upheaval in England. The Protestant Reformation had led to a split in the Church, and many people were searching for a deeper spiritual connection. Browne's poem can be seen as a response to this search, offering a path to enlightenment that is not tied to any particular religious doctrine.
In terms of relevance to modern readers, Browne's poem is perhaps more relevant than ever. In a world that is increasingly focused on the self, with social media and other forms of self-promotion dominating our lives, it is easy to become trapped in our own egos. Browne's poem offers a way out of this trap, suggesting that true enlightenment can only be achieved by emptying oneself of all preconceptions and biases.
In conclusion, "If Thou Could'st Empty All Thyself Of Self" is a masterpiece of introspection and self-reflection. Browne's poem offers a path to enlightenment that is as relevant today as it was in the 17th century. By emptying oneself of all preconceptions and biases, one can become receptive to a higher power and achieve true enlightenment. This is a message that we would all do well to heed in our modern, ego-driven world.
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