The Soul selects her own Society

Unable are the loved to die, for love, is immortality.

-Emily Dickinson.

Introduction

Being selective.

The capacity to focus on a single objective from many possibilities is called the Power of Selectivity. In a society where distractions are constant, the ability to choose what we pay attention to has become essential. This skill benefits various aspects of life, including jobs, relationships, and personal growth. By strengthening our selectivity, we can enhance our focus, productivity, and sense of fulfillment.

Our mental health also benefits from being selective with our attention. In a world overwhelmed by information, it's easy to feel stressed. Focusing on what truly demands our attention can reduce these feelings. Carefully choosing which relationships to invest in can lead to stronger, deeper bonds. It's crucial to prioritize meaningful connections and let go of those that do not matter.

Developing selectivity helps manage our time better and increases satisfaction. By learning to say "no" to unhelpful commitments and distractions, we gain more control over our lives. This sense of control boosts confidence and self-esteem, creating a positive feedback loop. Concentrating on our interests and passions also aids in achieving a better work-life balance.

Understanding and valuing our own preferences enable us to make choices that support our objectives, leading to a happier, more fulfilled life. Thoughtful decisions prevent feelings of overload, improve productivity, and reduce stress levels, resulting in greater well-being. Selectivity allows us to prioritize activities and opportunities that align with our values and goals.

Emily Dickinson's poem "The Soul selects her own Society" explores this idea beautifully. The poem's speaker chooses to allow certain people into their life while rejecting others, symbolizing the empowering nature of selective choice. By surrounding oneself with those who bring joy and upliftment, one can live a truly harmonious life. The poem highlights how the power of selectivity adds value to life and helps maintain personal boundaries.

The text

"The Soul selects her own Society" posits an autonomous soul that meticulously curates the speaker's interpersonal relationships. This assertion challenges conventional notions of social obligation, suggesting instead a profound interiority that dictates human connection.

The Soul selects her own Society —
Then — shuts the Door —
To her divine Majority —
Present no more —

Unmoved — she notes the Chariots — pausing —
At her low Gate —
Unmoved — an Emperor be kneeling
Upon her Mat —

I've known her — from an ample nation —
Choose One —
Then — close the Valves of her attention —
Like Stone —

Analysis

The soul is portrayed as a tangible, active force that selects its own community of like-minded individuals.

Emily Dickinson’s “The Soul Selects Her Own Society” is a profound exploration of individuality and human connection. The poem posits the soul as an autonomous entity, endowed with the power to curate its social world with discerning selectivity. Through vivid personification, Dickinson imbues the soul with agency, allowing it to select and dismiss companions with an almost divine indifference. This assertion challenges societal norms, emphasizing personal agency and the primacy of interiority. The poem examines the complexities of human relationships, specifically both the necessity of connection and the allure of solitude. Dickinson underscores the soul’s exclusive nature, emphasizing its capacity for profound intimacy while simultaneously acknowledging the potential for isolation. Yet, the poem ultimately suggests that a harmonious existence may require a delicate balance between self-preservation and social engagement. The first stanza focuses on the soul's tendency to just open to a chosen group of people rather than to everyone. The concept that the soul has power over its own fate and can choose and select whom it wishes to be near to is highlighted in the second verse. The speaker underlines the exclusivity of the soul's group in the third verse by claiming that those who are not included feel abandoned and rejected. The significance of welcoming new members into the community of the soul is emphasized in the fifth verse. It draws attention to the fact that, despite being exclusive, the group is open to new members.

The word "unmoved" represents those who remain unattached and distant from society, preserving their individuality. This selectivity signifies that the soul only chooses those who share its values and beliefs, providing protection against outside influences. While this can lead to loneliness, it allows the soul to stay true to its path and convictions.

The poem’s exploration of isolation is intertwined with its celebration of individuality. Dickinson suggests that true fulfillment may be found in resisting societal pressures and embracing one’s unique path. However, her recognition of the soul’s capacity for expansion implies a more nuanced understanding of human nature. By carefully selecting our companions, we can create environments that nourish our spirits and enrich our lives. In contrast, allowing toxic or harmful individuals into our lives can have a devastating impact, leading to feelings of isolation and emptiness. Therefore, Dickinson's poem serves as a reminder to be intentional in our connections with others, choosing those who bring out the best in us and help us grow.

Dickinson’s masterful use of personification elevates the poem to a metaphysical level. She gives a compelling and sympathetic picture of the soul as a being with free choice and action. The soul, then, is not a nebulous or abstract idea but rather an actual, social entity that makes choices. By granting the soul human-like qualities, she invites readers to contemplate the nature of consciousness and its relationship to the world. The soul becomes a symbol of the self, capable of both profound connection and radical independence.

Ultimately, “The Soul Selects Her Own Society” is a timeless meditation on the human condition. Dickinson’s exploration of individuality, connection, and isolation resonates with readers across generations. The poem’s enduring power lies in its ability to inspire contemplation and provoke introspection.

Discussion questions

• What are the benefits of selective processes?
• What criteria are being used to make these choices?
• Who holds the power to make these decisions?
• What factors influence our decisions to include or exclude certain people?
• How does Dickinson's portrayal of the Soul as a selective entity challenge or reinforce traditional societal expectations?