The Eternal Will by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem explores the idea that a person's will is eternal and cannot be defeated by external circumstances. It describes how the speaker's spirit remains unbroken despite being subjected to hardships and injustices. The poem also touches on the theme of reincarnation, suggesting that the soul continues to evolve and grow through successive lifetimes.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1901 · Genre: Inspirational Poetry, Philosophical Literature, Spiritual Literature · 279 words
First lines
There is no thing we cannot overcome / Say not thy evil instinct is inherited, / Or that some trait inborn makes thy whole life forlorn, / And calls down punishment that is not merited.
Back of thy parents and grandparents lies / The Great Eternal Will. That, too, is thine / Inheritance; strong, beautiful, divine, / Sure lever of success for one who tries.
Pry up thy faults with this great lever, Will. / However deeply bedded in propensity, / However firmly set, I tell thee firmer yet / Is that vast power that comes from Truth's immensity.
What this Textopian page supports
The Eternal Will is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1901 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1901 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Inspirational Poetry, Philosophical Literature, Spiritual Literature, Self-Help, Religious Literature
- Length: 279 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Eternal Will by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Similar titles
- The Way by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Way by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Realisation by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- I Am by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Answer by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Understood by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Inspirational Poetry — The work focuses on themes of overcoming adversity, self-belief, and divine inheritance, which are central to inspirational poetry.
- Philosophical Literature — The text delves into philosophical ideas about the human will, divine power, and the nature of the soul.
- Spiritual Literature — The work emphasizes spiritual themes such as divine will, prayer, and the soul's connection to a higher power.
- Self-Help — The content provides motivational advice on overcoming personal faults and achieving success through inner strength and divine support.
Tags
Philosophy · Spirituality · Poetry · Free Verse · Inspirational · Motivational · Personal Growth · Self-Help · Mindfulness · Consciousness · Higher Power · Faith