W.H. Auden’s poetry explores deep ideas about life, love, and the universe. Two of his poems, “The More Loving One” and “Leap Before You Look,” offer powerful lessons on finding meaning and making brave decisions.
The Unconditional Love of “The More Loving One”
“The More Loving One” explores the universe’s indifference and the power of unconditional love. Despite the stars’ lack of concern for humans, being “the more loving one” helps us find meaning in meaninglessness. Choosing to love, even when it’s unrequited, paves the way to personal fulfillment amidst cosmic detachment.
***
Looking up at the stars, I know quite well
That, for all they care, I can go to hell,
But on earth indifference is the least
We have to dread from man or beast.
How should we like it were stars to burn
With a passion for us we could not return?
If equal affection cannot be,
Let the more loving one be me.
Admirer as I think I am
Of stars that do not give a damn,
I cannot, now I see them, say
I missed one terribly all day.
Were all stars to disappear or die,
I should learn to look at an empty sky
And feel its total dark sublime,
Though this might take me a little time.
The Courage to Leap Before You Look
In “Leap Before You Look,” Auden emphasizes the necessity of taking risks despite laughter, dangers, and uncertainties. These imperfections are part of life, but avoiding them isn’t an option. While thoughtful consideration has its place, sometimes we must leap into the unknown. Rejecting safety and conformity, and embracing the unknown, is the only way to conquer our fears.
***
The sense of danger must not disappear:
The way is certainly both short and steep,
However gradual it looks from here;
Look if you like, but you will have to leap.
Tough-minded men get mushy in their sleep
And break the by-laws any fool can keep;
It is not the convention but the fear
That has a tendency to disappear.
The worried efforts of the busy heap,
The dirt, the imprecision, and the beer
Produce a few smart wisecracks every year;
Laugh if you can, but you will have to leap.
The clothes that are considered right to wear
Will not be either sensible or cheap,
So long as we consent to live like sheep
And never mention those who disappear.
Much can be said for social savior-faire,
Bu to rejoice when no one else is there
Is even harder than it is to weep;
No one is watching, but you have to leap.
A solitude ten thousand fathoms deep
Sustains the bed on which we lie, my dear:
Although I love you, you will have to leap;
Our dream of safety has to disappear.
W.H. Auden’s poetry helps us understand that life is about both love and bravery. “The More Loving One” illustrates how love, even when unreciprocated, provides a sense of purpose, while “Leap Before You Look” urges us to take bold steps. Together, these poems remind us that a fulfilling life requires both the courage to act and the capacity to love deeply.