The Creed of Poverty
By Robert Burns
In politics if thou would’st mix,
And mean thy fortunes be;
Bear this in mind — be deaf and blind;
Let great folks hear and see.
Poem Analysis:
The Creed of Poverty by Robert Burns is a satirical poem that critiques social structures, the role of wealth in politics, and the moral implications of ambition. Written in the 18th century, the poem reflects Burns’ keen sense of social justice, his disdain for aristocratic privilege, and his admiration for common people who live with integrity despite economic hardships. Through witty language and sharp observations, Burns offers his views on how to navigate political and social life while embodying a philosophy of poverty.
Context of the Poem
Robert Burns, often known as the "Ploughman Poet," wrote poetry that expressed his personal beliefs and the cultural tensions of his time. A firm advocate for social equality, Burns lived during a period when Scotland, and much of Europe, was experiencing significant class divisions. He often used his poetry to address these divisions, highlighting the plight of the poor and critiquing the arrogance and complacency of the wealthy.
In The Creed of Poverty, Burns is satirizing the corrupt relationship between wealth, power, and politics, while also suggesting a life of simplicity and moral fortitude. He explores the idea of living without the desire for material wealth, proposing that such a life might offer both moral clarity and the potential to evade the corrupting influences of power and greed.
Structure and Tone
The directness and concise nature of the poem’s language mirror the content itself—clear and unambiguous. The tone is playful yet sardonic, as Burns mixes humor and criticism to create a witty, yet insightful, commentary on society. The simplicity of the lines serves to make the poem more accessible, while the underlying message is one of serious social and political critique.
"In politics if thou would’st mix,"
Burns opens the poem by addressing someone who wishes to engage in the political realm. The phrase "mix in politics" suggests that the individual wants to participate in the world of power and influence. However, this participation comes with a caveat that will soon be revealed.
"And mean thy fortunes be;"
Here, Burns suggests that the individual’s material fortune should be modest or inconsequential if they wish to be successful in politics. This could be read as a critique of the corrupting influence of wealth—Burns implies that in order to navigate the political sphere without becoming ensnared by it, one must not be motivated by personal gain or wealth. Those who seek power for monetary reasons, according to Burns, are doomed to fail or become morally compromised.
"Bear this in mind — be deaf and blind;"
Burns advises the person to "be deaf and blind," which can be interpreted as the need to turn a blind eye and remain indifferent to the injustices or moral contradictions within the political world. In other words, if one seeks to be involved in politics and maintain their fortune, they must ignore the reality of corruption, exploitation, and injustice. This is a critique of those who rise to power by turning away from truth or moral values, opting instead for self-interest.
"Let great folks hear and see."
In this final line, Burns offers the solution for those who wish to participate in politics while maintaining a "mean" fortune: they must be passive and allow the elites to have their say and their influence. The "great folks" refer to the powerful and wealthy individuals in society. The implication is that the individual seeking to navigate this world must avoid confrontation, must stay out of the way, and must let those in power exercise their control without challenge.
Themes and Interpretation
- Critique of Power and Wealth: The central theme of the poem is the critique of power, wealth, and the political system. Burns suggests that in order to thrive in politics, one must be willing to overlook the moral compromises and ethical dilemmas that come with it. This critique reflects Burns' deep skepticism about the integrity of the aristocracy and the political elite. The poem implies that wealth and power often come at the expense of personal integrity and the well-being of others, particularly the working classes.
- Corruption and Indifference: Burns also explores the idea of corruption in politics. By advising the individual to be "deaf and blind," Burns highlights how those who engage with the political system often must turn a blind eye to the injustices they perpetuate or witness. The implication is that politics, especially at higher levels, is inherently corrupt, and those who wish to be involved must be willing to ignore the suffering or wrongdoings that take place in the name of power.
- Moral Integrity and Poverty: The title of the poem, The Creed of Poverty, is significant because it suggests that moral integrity is best preserved by avoiding the pursuit of wealth and political ambition. Burns, as a poet of the common people, often celebrated the virtues of simplicity and humility. In this poem, he proposes that to maintain moral clarity, one must forgo the temptations of wealth and political influence. In this sense, the "creed" of poverty is not necessarily a literal call to live in material deprivation, but rather a philosophy that prioritizes ethical living and a rejection of the corrupting forces of ambition.
- Social Commentary: Burns uses humor and satire to offer social commentary on the political and economic systems of his time. While he may be critiquing specific political practices in 18th-century Scotland, his message is timeless: politics, when dominated by wealth and power, often leads to moral compromises. The poem serves as a reminder to be cautious about the pursuit of power, especially when it is motivated by self-interest and disconnected from the struggles of ordinary people.
Literary Devices and Techniques
- Satire: The Creed of Poverty is a prime example of Burns' use of satire to expose the flaws in society. Through a playful and humorous tone, he highlights the contradictions and moral dilemmas present in the political world. The poem criticizes the greed and hypocrisy of those in power by pointing out the cost of political ambition.
- Irony: The poem is rich in irony, particularly in its suggestion that in order to survive in politics, one must ignore the very things that make it morally questionable. The irony lies in the fact that to succeed within this system, the individual must adopt a stance of indifference to the ethical implications of their actions. This ironic stance reveals Burns' disillusionment with the political system and its moral compromises.
- Direct Address: By directly addressing the reader ("In politics if thou would’st mix"), Burns creates a conversational tone that invites the reader to consider his advice. This device also serves to draw the reader into the poem's moral considerations, making them complicit in the critique of political structures.
- Rhetorical Questions: Burns uses rhetorical questions, like "And mean thy fortunes be?" to provoke the reader into thinking critically about the role of wealth in politics. The question serves to challenge conventional notions of success and wealth accumulation in a political career.
The Creed of Poverty by Robert Burns is a sharp critique of the intersection between politics and wealth, using satire and irony to reveal the moral compromises inherent in political ambition. Through the poem, Burns explores themes of corruption, moral integrity, and the role of poverty in preserving one’s ethical stance. His message remains relevant: true moral clarity may be found in rejecting the corrupting influences of wealth and power. Instead of striving for political influence and material gain, Burns advocates for a life of humility, self-awareness, and commitment to higher ethical principles, even if it means embracing the "creed" of poverty.