1. Do you think it is a good message?-How could this
TASKRead the attached poems (2) and answer the questions that follow in at least 300
words total. Hint: Think about the blind men as being blind figuratively, what does their
blindness symbolize? How might they NOT exemplify what Socrates teaches? If you cannot
open the poems document, you can read them below:Blind Men and the Elephant (a.k.a.,
“Blindmen”)(by John Godfrey Saxe)www.wordfocus.com/word-act-blindmen.htmlAmerican
poet John Godfrey Saxe (1816-1887) based this poem,“The Blind Men and the Elephant”, on
a fable that was told in India many years ago.It was six men of IndostanTo learning much
inclined,Who went to see the Elephant(Though all of them were blind),That each by
observationMight satisfy his mindThe First approached the Elephant,And happening to
fallAgainst his broad and sturdy side,At once began to bawl:“God bless me! but the
ElephantIs very like a wall!”The Second, feeling of the tusk,Cried, “Ho! what have we hereSo
very round and smooth and sharp?To me ’tis mighty clearThis wonder of an ElephantIs very
like a spear!”The Third approached the animal,And happening to takeThe squirming trunk
within his hands,Thus boldly up and spake:“I see,” quoth he, “the ElephantIs very like a
snake!”The Fourth reached out an eager hand,And felt about the knee.“What most this
wondrous beast is likeIs mighty plain,” quoth he;“ ‘Tis clear enough the ElephantIs very like
a tree!”The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear,Said: “E’en the blindest manCan tell what
this resembles most;Deny the fact who canThis marvel of an ElephantIs very like a fan!”The
Sixth no sooner had begunAbout the beast to grope,Than, seizing on the swinging tailThat
fell within his scope,“I see,” quoth he, “the ElephantIs very like a rope!”And so these men of
IndostanDisputed loud and long,Each in his own opinionExceeding stiff and strong,Though
each was partly in the right,And all were in the wrong!How does this poem relate to critical
thinking?What do you think the elephant represents?What do you think the blind men
represent?What is the meaning of this poem?What could be an alternative meaning to this
poem?“Zen Buddhism”A University Professor went to see Nan-in, a Zen Master, to find out
more about Zen,As their meeting continued Nan-in was pouring Tea and continued to pour
even though the cup was overflowing.The Professor cried. “Enough! No more will go
in!”Nan-in replied “Like this cup you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How
can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?”
