“Teach me to feel another’s wo,
>
To hide the fault I see:
>
That mercy I to others show,
>
That mercy show to me.”
These powerful lines come from the pen of Alexander Pope, a master of 18th-century English poetry. The verse serves as a profound prayer for empathy, discretion, and reciprocal mercy. It captures a timeless human desire for a more compassionate world. While written centuries ago, its message resonates deeply in our modern society. This quote is not just a piece of literature; it is a guide for ethical living. It challenges us to look inward before we cast judgment outward.
The Poet and His Prayer
Alexander Pope (1688-1744) was a central figure in the Augustan age of English literature. He composed these lines as the final stanza of his poem, “The Universal Prayer,” published in 1738. Pope wrote this poem to accompany his famous work, “An Essay on Man.” The prayer seeks to define a form of worship that transcends specific religious doctrines. It speaks to a universal God, a “Father of All,” reflecting the Enlightenment’s focus on reason and shared human values.
Pope’s personal context is also crucial. Source As a Roman Catholic in Protestant England, he faced significant social and political restrictions. . This experience undoubtedly shaped his perspective on tolerance and mercy. Consequently, his prayer emphasizes virtues that all faiths could embrace, creating a common ground for humanity.
Deconstructing the Stanza: A Call for Empathy
The first line, “Teach me to feel another’s wo,” is a direct plea for empathy. Pope is not asking for mere sympathy, which is feeling sorry for someone. Instead, he requests the ability to truly feel another person’s sorrow as if it were his own. This deep emotional connection is the foundation of compassion. It moves us from being passive observers to active participants in the well-being of others. True empathy requires us to step outside of our own experiences and genuinely consider another’s perspective.
Furthermore, the request is framed as a lesson. He asks to be taught, acknowledging that empathy is not always an innate skill. It is a virtue that one must cultivate through conscious effort and divine assistance. This humility sets the tone for the entire stanza. It suggests that becoming a better person is a lifelong journey of learning and growth. The line encourages a proactive approach to developing our own emotional intelligence.
The Grace of Discretion and Mercy
The second line, “To hide the fault I see,” speaks to the importance of discretion and non-judgment. In a world quick to point out flaws, Pope prays for the strength to overlook them. This does not mean ignoring harmful behavior. Rather, it means choosing compassion over condemnation. It is about offering others the grace to be imperfect, just as we are. This line challenges the impulse to gossip or publicly shame others for their mistakes.
Finally, the concluding couplet brings the theme to its powerful conclusion. “That mercy I to others show, That mercy show to me,” connects human action directly to divine grace. It is a perfect echo of the Golden Rule, the principle of treating others as you wish to be treated. Pope suggests that the mercy we receive is proportional to the mercy we give. Therefore, our compassion towards others is not just a good deed; it is an investment in our own spiritual and moral standing. It transforms mercy from a simple act of kindness into a fundamental spiritual principle that governs our existence.