Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
William BlakeRead
England! awake! awake! awake! Jerusalem thy sister calls! Why wilt thou sleep the sleep of death And close her from thy ancient walls?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote urges England to awaken and not remain passive in the face of suffering or injustice, as personified by Jerusalem calling for help.
In this quote, William Blake implores England to recognize and respond to the plight of Jerusalem, symbolizing a call to action against complacency and inaction. The 'sleep of death' suggests a metaphorical slumber in which a society ignores its moral obligations, while the mention of 'ancient walls' evokes a sense of historical responsibility to protect and uplift those in need. Blake challenges the nation to awaken from its indifference and engage with the calls for justice and solidarity.
Themes
EnglandJerusalemActionJusticeSleepAwaken
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech advocating for social justice and community engagement.
More from William Blake
All quotes βIn seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.
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O thou who passest through our valleys in Thy strength, curb thy fierce steeds, allay the heat That flames from their large nostrils! Thou, O Summer, Oft pitchest here thy golden tent, and oft Beneath our oaks hast slept, while we beheld With joy thy ruddy limbs and flourishing hair.
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Every Night and every Morn Some to Misery are born. Every Morn and every Night Some are born to Sweet Delight, Some are born to Endless Night.
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As the caterpillar chooses the fairest leaves to lay her eggs on, so the priest lays his curse on the fairest joys.
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He who would do good to another must do it in minute particulars.
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