I’d like to introduce you to an amazing person. John Donne (1573-1631) was a poet, scholar, cleric, politician, soldier, and writer. His poetry was both religious and sensual, and he used paradox, striking imagery, puns and irony to express deep truths. “True religion” was an important theme in his writings, and he critiqued the society of his day. He wrote some striking phrases which have become well-known, such “no man is an island,” and “for whom the bell tolls.” Although he lived long ago, he is modern in his uncoventional style and non-conformist ideas.
I love the following poem, and use it in classes I teach. From Satire 3:
Seek true religion. O where?…
… though truth and falsehood be
Near twins, yet truth a little elder is;
Be busy to seek her; believe me this,
He's not of none, nor worst, that seeks the best.
To adore, or scorn an image, or protest,
May all be bad; doubt wisely; in strange way
To stand inquiring right, is not to stray;
To sleep, or run wrong, is. On a huge hill,
Cragged and steep, Truth stands, and he that will
Reach her, about must and about must go,
And what the hill's suddenness resists, win so.
What striking images and phrases! What good advice! Doubt ‘wisely.’ Don’t just accept conventional ideas of your parents or society. Don’t be a non-conformist just because it is cool. Seek the truth, seek the best. Be prepared to climb the mountain and make sustained effort to reach the top.
I like these ideas. I follow them and model them for my students.
Doubt wisely. Seek the best.