Proverbs of Hell

Some may recognize this as being a section of William Blake's Marriage of Heaven and and Hell. I have decided to emulate Dr. Omed's Tent Show, and have a regular feature where I discuss one of these proverbs. You understand, of course, that this feature will be about as regular as the occasional Ideés d'jour I post here. "As the muse dictates," says the good doctor.

The cut worm forgives the plow

Perhaps you know someone like my friend R.S. She is a shameless promoter. She will use any occasion to publicize the concerts she promotes — even a peace march. Well, one can hardly blame her. It's how she hopes to make a living.

In order to succeed in your dream, you must be resolute in your purpose. It will sometimes appear that you steamroll others, or their feelings. Your eyes are set on the prize.

Now, I will say this about R.S. — the music she promotes is of good quality. The concerts she was promoting at the peace march probably were of interest to the majority of people there. To the best of my knowledge, she has not "steam-rolled" over someone in the pursuit of her goal. I am certain that she has not intentionally harmed someone.

If we take this image very literally, the cut worm will not die; the average earth worm will divide and become two. So, the worm benefits from the plow's action. The plow is promoting life, by tilling the soil, and is resolute in its purpose. Ideally, the plow will follow a straight path to its goal.

Life delights in life, so the worm forgives the plow, because the tilling of the soil will promote new growth and because the dividing of the worm actually promotes a new worm.

Argue & discuss.