"Thou Shalt Not Kill"

Gilbert Keith Chesterton

(1874 – 1936)

• One of the most influential English writers of the 20th century.
• Works include journalism, philosophy, poetry, biography, Christian apologetics, fantasy and detective fiction.
• Known for his wit and sense of humor, often employing paradox to make a serious comment on the world, politics, philosophy, theology, and many other topics.

I had grown weary of him; of his breath
And hands and features I was sick to death.
Each day I heard the same dull voice and tread;
I did not hate him: but I wished him dead.
And he must with his blank face fill my life--
Then my brain blackened; and I snatched a knife.

• Tired of this person in his life
• Tired of routine
• Doesn't value this person because there is nothing remarkable about him

But ere I struck, my soul's grey deserts through
A voice cried, 'Know at least what thing you do.'
'This is a common man: knowest thou, O soul,
What this thing is? somewhere where seasons roll
There is some living thing for whom this man
Is as seven heavens girt into a span,
For some one soul you take the world away--
Now know you well your deed and purpose. Slay!'

• He has a searing revelation in his moment of despair, deserts and all
• He sees the staggering value of each person—the infinite wonders (seven heavens) encased in a human soul
• Who is the "living thing"?

Then I cast down the knife upon the ground
And saw that mean man for one moment crowned.
I turned and laughed: for there was no one by--
The man that I had sought to slay was I.

• He sees the man in his ordinariness exalted
• No one is useless or without extreme value
• This is the answer to individual despair