WILLIAM BLAKE -5

 WILLIAM BLAKE -5                     Quotes-5

The tigers of wrath are wiser than the horses of instruction

This quote chooses Tiger and Horse for a comparison of their natural activity. The ‘tiger’ represents raw power, unfettered and ready to exhibit fierce attack at will. It means that all acts of tiger are natural and willing to go by freedom of instinct; but, the horse symbolizes ‘controlled’/ ‘fettered’/ bridled power being channelized by someone else’s needs or guidance, Horse cannot do a thing by will or instinct meaning that it is a mere ‘servant’ while Tiger can perform at will.[Innovative approaches occur by natural freedom while controlled efforts cannot bring forth  ‘new’ ideas/effects.

The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest

A sense of gratitude expressed upon every gift or benefit does a world of good in that all donors are ready to give more in recognition of the gratitude, revealed by a recipient. Gratitude is a virtue that promotes the sense of donating to the needy.

The true method of knowledge is experiment

This quote draws distinction between information and knowledge. Knowledge is a clear grasp and perception of a process or problem. Such clarity can accrue to those who learn by performing the steps of a process or by critically analyzing the facets of a problem [experiment].The knowledge so gained deeply registers in mind while ‘hear say’ ideas do not register deep or for long.

When a sinister person means to be your enemy, they always start by becoming your friend

This quote reveals the poet’s perception of persons and personalities. The suggestion is a ‘new acquaintance’ trying to befriend us may have ulterior desires/designs. So, it is prudent to understand the persons’ attitude well before according a status of ‘friendship’ to them; lest, one should feel cheated at the end.

The weak in courage is strong in cunning

This quote from William Blake pieces together facets of human mind. Yes, it talks of Courage and Cunning –the two forms of defence. Persons of courage /physical strength resort to open dissent; those who are weak physically/ mentally resort to deceit or cunning designs to settle scores.

Incidentally, it gives me the opportunity to discuss the word ‘Cunning’. The term ‘cunning’ is an adjective that also serves to be a noun. There is no verb form for cunning. Many users of English from India seem to assume that Cunning is a verb and its noun form is ‘Cunningness’. Neither of these contentions is right [both these expressions are improper with no genuine usage ‘Cunningness’ –by native speakers/ writers]. So, let us be cautious with the word ‘Cunning’.                                           To continue ………