Much Madness is divinest Sense —
by Elouise
Here’s another gem from Emily Dickinson, along with my personal response below.
Much Madness is divinest Sense –
To a discerning Eye –
Much Sense – the starkest Madness –
‘Tis the Majority
In this, as All, prevail –
Assent – and you are sane –
Demur – you’re straightway dangerous –
And handled with a Chain –c. 1862
Emily Dickinson Poems, Edited by Brenda Hillman
Shambhala Pocket Classics, Shambhala 1995
Dear Emily,
Please forgive me for barging in. You don’t know me and I don’t know you personally. Still, your poetry challenges me to think deeply. This one, in particular, brings me comfort and gives me courage.
I worked for years as professor and then dean at a theological seminary. It was a man’s world, though many other women studied and worked there. A memory came to mind as I worked through your poem. It was the kind of thing I think your poem describes.
I was in a small meeting with several Board members plus University and Seminary administrators. The University president introduced a change he had made at the Seminary, for which he now requested Board affirmation. Board members raised a few questions and concerns.
Someone asked whether the University president had consulted with the seminary Dean before making this decision. The president looked over at me and assured everyone that he had indeed consulted with me and with others. This was true. Then he added that he hoped I supported this change, and asked for my affirmation.
My heart in my throat, I recalled the conversation and demurred, before indicating I hoped this would be a good change. My hesitation, however, was the equivalent of expressing doubt about the decision. I wasn’t in agreement with it, and the president knew this from our earlier conversation.
The awkward moment passed, and Board members affirmed the president’s change. It seemed Sensible to them, or at least to most of them.
Demurring. You’d think hesitating before speaking would be wise, especially when dealing with superiors in a public setting. Yet small hesitations speak volumes. So do large political realities.
I wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t demurred. I like to think of myself as someone who tells the truth. It isn’t always easy to know when and how to do that. Especially when I’m not in charge.
I also wonder whether I have a discerning Eye. Sometimes I do; sometimes I don’t. In this particular case, I had a discerning Eye. This wasn’t the “starkest Madness” ever. Nonetheless, it was an unfortunate change that came at high cost.
So what was the Chain? It became visible several times. More than once I was advised not to ask so many questions, or be so ‘emotional’ about things. In other words, why can’t you just assent, and be on the side of the Majority on this or that issue? Besides, it would show support for your colleagues and superiors.
I would rather wear the badge of ‘Madness’ for divinest Sense than the badge of ‘Sensible’ for starkest Madness. I also reserve the privilege of demurring and going with my intuition, experience and discernment. Even though they don’t look like divinest Sense.
Gratefully,
Elouise
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 7 September 2016
Striking photo/collage of Emily found at sense.mycommunity.org
We are often invited to give our views to those who have the advantage in having given their question, issue, much thought.
We, on the other hand are often there to lend moral support, affirmation, without the benefit of having thought. And without the benefit of time to reflect, our opinions are often mere reflections of that ‘they’ want to hear. Anyone who has the courage to ask for time to think, or who hesitates a while betrays their sense, so is often derided.
How insightful your post is. Thank you.
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You’re welcome, Fran. Thanks to you for your succinct comment. Yes, this happens often. For me, understanding situations like this from Emily’s viewpoint makes great sense, though I can’t claim I’m always on the ‘right’ side. Her poem lays bare (I think) the dynamics often at work behind the way less privileged or powerful people can quickly become the odd person out. A small comfort–which I’m happy to have from time to time. It isn’t about me; it’s most likely about the person who just put me on the spot, in a no-win setup.
Elouise
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Absolutely – how often we project our fears and frailties onto others. 🙂 Bless you.
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Amen. To it all. Amen. Thank you, Elouise, from one who sometimes struggles to demur. I may have an opportunity to discern what I am called to this afternoon at 1pm (I welcome prayer for discernment, and the appropriate courage of my convictions). 🙂
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Oh, Debbie. What a challenge. Yes, you have my prayers. Given my past experience of you, you are a Woman of Great Courage. I pray you’ll draw on your strength and not flinch. Your calling is firm and waiting for you! 🙂
Elouise
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Memories of awkward, for me, faculty meetings and I as the student rep., who was out of my depth and didn’t realize it. (The assumptions of male power and belonging?) But I could feel the tension at times. I wonder what it was like for other student reps, I never thought to ask.
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I can only imagine, though I fully empathize! When I think of all the possible dynamics in virtually any place of work, study or living quarters, I wonder how we manage to keep it together and what might happen if we were safe enough with each other to talk openly about our personal feelings and experiences. It might increase our capacity to live and work in the same space without needing to pull rank in ways that disempower what any one person or identifiable group might bring to the table. Thanks for sharing your memories, David.
Elouise
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It takes courage to stand up and let your voice be heard, I hear and feel your frustration on that experience, I think many women in the working field also hear and feel this too….that’s why we are sensible….we know but we are amazing when we take a stand and shout out….heck no….I don’t agree 🙂 that feels really good by the way….although does get one in a bit of trouble at times….great piece….and love Emily too. Hi Lucy 🙂 ❤
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Yes to everything you say, including the unexpected shout-out! Your comment reminds me of another memory that still makes me smile. Maybe I’ll write it up….🤔😊
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Looking forward to seeing that one! Yay…I live to inspire💜💕😊
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