The tree which moves some to tears of joy

William Blake, born on November 28, 1757, in London, England, occupies a unique place in the realms of art and poetry. His multifaceted genius defied conventional boundaries, intertwining visual art, lyrical expression, and visionary insights. Blake’s life unfolded against a backdrop of industrial revolution, social upheaval, and spiritual exploration. His parents, James Blake and Catherine Wright Armitage Blake, hailed from modest backgrounds—his father from Rotherhithe and his mother from the Nottinghamshire village of Walkeringham.

Blake’s formal education was minimal, yet his innate creativity blossomed early. Apprenticed to an engraver at the tender age of fourteen, he honed his artistic skills while immersing himself in the vibrant streets of London. His works, etched, printed, and colored with the assistance of his devoted wife, Catherine, spanned a wide spectrum—from exquisite lyrics in “Songs of Innocence” (1789) and “Songs of Experience” (1794) to profound and enigmatic “prophecies” like “Visions of the Daughters of Albion” (1793), “The First Book of Urizen” (1794), and “Jerusalem” (1804 [–?20]).

In his lifetime, Blake faced neglect and misunderstanding, often dismissed as mad. However, the early 21st century recognized him as the earliest and most original of the Romantic poets. His legacy endures through timeless verses such as “The Lamb,” “The Tyger,” and the stirring “Jerusalem”—a lyric that resonates as a kind of second national anthem in Britain¹²³.

In the quote, “The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing which stands in the way… As a man is, so he sees,” William Blake unveils a profound truth about perception. He invites us to recognize that our vision is shaped not only by the external world but also by our inner selves. Imagine standing before a tree—the same tree that evokes tears of joy in one person may appear mundane or obstructive to another.

Blake’s insight transcends mere observation; it delves into the essence of subjectivity. Our perception is colored by our experiences, emotions, and beliefs. The tree becomes a metaphor for life itself—its beauty, its challenges, its mysteries. As we gaze upon it, we project our inner landscape onto its leaves and branches. The same green foliage can symbolize hope, growth, or mere inconvenience, depending on our inner state.

So, when we encounter the world, let us remember Blake’s wisdom. Our eyes are not passive receptors; they are active interpreters. As we move through life, we carry our unique lens—the sum of our joys, sorrows, and aspirations. The tree remains unchanged, but our perception transforms it. As a man is, so he sees—a reminder that our vision shapes our reality, and perhaps, in understanding this, we can cultivate empathy, compassion, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways in which others perceive the world around them.