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Editor's Notes

• #2: Background notes: This poem is a newer version of an ancient Indian tale. John Godfrey Saxe compares the Elephant to God, and makes the point that each perspective, in this case about religion, has part of, but not the whole truth. This statement on perspective has particular relevence in India where there is a vast array of religions and points of view. India's population is currently 950 million. It is inevitable that there are strong differences and disputes about religion and lifestyle. (Hinduism=82%; Islam=11%; Christianity=3%; Sikh=2%; Buddhism, Jainism, & other=2%.) One of the fundamental themes in world cultures is learning to understand different perspectives. In the poem, each blind man compares the Elephant to something different (side=wall; tusk=spear; trunk=snake; knee=tree; ear=fan; tail-rope,) because each one assumes the whole elephant is like the part he touched/perceived/experienced. Saxe writes, "each was partly in the right." It is easy for each blind man to jump to conclusions based on limited experience and first impressions. Saxe is telling his audience not to assume you have the whole truth just because you know one part of the truth. Don't rely on first impressions to tell you all you need to know. If we share our perspectives we will come to a more complete understanding of the truth. Working together is more effective than working alone. Saxe's way of relaying his message is infinetly more memorable and convincing because he used this story-poem-metaphor as a vehicle. Stories are more involving, creating images and pictures. People can remember and identify with Saxe's message because of the form he chose to convey it.