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Entry: The Robinson Jeffers-Charles Bukowski Connection Link: http://www.takimag.com/blogs/article/the_robinson_jeffers_charles_bukowski_connection#11516 Post contents: One of the major “environmental” groups adopted a line from one of Jeffers poems (The Answer) for one of its slogans. The phrase “Not Man Apart” was adopted to argue that man shouldn’t be divided from or against nature. But as one can see from the poem itself, posted below, The Answer addresses more than the reality of mankind’s dependence on nature and the need for organic wholeness. It is also addressing our current predicament in regard to the collapse of our civilization, a process that has been ongoing for some time. The Answer Then what is the answer?- Not to be deluded by dreams. To know that great civilizations have broken down into violence, and their tyrants come, many times before. When open violence appears, to avoid it with honor or choose the least ugly faction; these evils are essential. To keep one's own integrity, be merciful and uncorrupted and not wish for evil; and not be duped By dreams of universal justice or happiness. These dreams will not be fulfilled. To know this, and know that however ugly the parts appear the whole remains beautiful. A severed hand Is an ugly thing and man dissevered from the earth and stars and his history... for contemplation or in fact... Often appears atrociously ugly. Integrity is wholeness, the greatest beauty is Organic wholeness, the wholeness of life and things, the divine beauty of the universe. Love that, not man Apart from that, or else you will share man's pitiful confusions, or drown in despair when his days darken. Robinson Jeffers Sent at: 2008 10 16