Head in the Clouds

(commonwealmagazine.org)

15 points | by bryanrasmussen 13 hours ago ago

2 comments

  • Dropbysometime 5 minutes ago

    The phrase "a throw of the dice will never abolish chance" comes from Stéphane Mallarmé's poem "Un Coup de Dés Jamais N'Abolira Le Hasard"(A Throw of the Dice Will Never Abolish Chance).

    It signifies that while chance can be a catalyst or inspiration, it cannot be eliminated or controlled, even in artistic creation or the unfolding of life itself.

    Here's a more detailed breakdown:

    Chance as a Creative Force: Mallarmé uses the "throw of the dice" to represent chance, randomness, and the unpredictable nature of existence.

    Inability to Eradicate Chance: The poem argues that even with deliberate effort (like a throw of the dice), one cannot fully overcome or abolish the influence of chance.

    Poetic Struggle:

    In the context of the poem, this struggle to control or eliminate chance reflects the poet's attempt to capture the absolute in language, which he ultimately finds impossible according to https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/dice-throw-s....

    Modernist Significance: This idea, along with the poem's innovative typography, made it a foundational work for modernist poetry, emphasizing the limitations of human control and the power of chance in both art and life.

    Beyond the Literal: The phrase is not just about literal dice or a game of chance, but a metaphor for the human condition and the inherent uncertainties of existence.

    Took from AI. Blasphemy

  • VinLucero 10 hours ago

    Beautiful articulation of the value of wisdom over intellect. Of being a generalist over a specialist at all times.