Mock on, mock on, Voltaire, Rousseau. Mock on, mock on-'tis all in vain! You throw the sand against the wind, And the wind blows it back again.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Blake mocks critics like Voltaire and Rousseau, suggesting their attacks are ineffective against truth.
- In plain terms
- Critics like Voltaire and Rousseau throw sand at the wind but it blows back at them.
- What can you take from it?
- Attacks on truth or art often rebound on the attacker.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you handle mockery?
- Is criticism always in vain?
Another view
Not all criticism is futile; some can be constructive.
More from William Blake
And throughout all eternity I forgive you, you forgive me.
Permalink to quote #119 Terror in the house does roar, But Pity stands before the door.
Permalink to quote #121 My specter around me night and day Like a wild beast guards my way, My emanation far within Weeps incessantly for my sin.
Permalink to quote #118
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