By Admin 
Lewis Thompson’s The Natural Man is not just a literary piece—it is a spiritual journey. Often overlooked in mainstream literary circles, Thompson’s work demands more attention. In this article, we explore the core themes and deeper meaning of The Natural Man, shedding light on its unique perspective on human nature, spirituality, and poetic transcendence.
Introduction to Lewis Thompson and His Vision
Lewis Thompson (1908–1949) was a British poet and mystic whose work reflected a deep engagement with Eastern philosophies. Although his life was brief, it was filled with profound spiritual inquiry. Notably, he spent a significant part of his life in India, which greatly influenced his writing. The Natural Man represents a culmination of these influences, offering readers a lens into a transformed state of being.
The Essence of the “Natural Man”
At its core, The Natural Man is a philosophical and poetic exploration of man’s essential nature—before societal conditioning. It challenges the reader to strip away artificial constructs and return to a state of natural awareness. But what does this truly mean?
Thompson contrasts the natural man with the artificial man—one molded by materialistic pursuits and ego-driven behavior. In contrast, the natural man exists in harmony with the divine order, free from illusion and inner conflict.
Spiritual Themes and Mystical Undertones
The poem’s most prominent theme is spiritual awakening. Drawing from Eastern thought—particularly Advaita Vedanta and Taoism—Thompson encourages self-realization as the highest pursuit. Throughout the text, he invokes metaphors of light, silence, and emptiness, aligning closely with Eastern mysticism.
Moreover, Thompson presents the natural man as a vessel—empty, yet full; passive, yet potent. He does not seek control, because he understands that control is an illusion. Instead, he flows with the rhythm of life, achieving a quiet sovereignty over himself.
Poetic Style and Symbolism
Thompson’s style is dense and rich with symbolic meaning. He employs a minimalist approach to language, echoing the aphoristic wisdom of Lao Tzu or the Upanishads. Every line invites contemplation. Rather than telling the reader what to think, Thompson offers a canvas onto which readers can project their spiritual experiences.
Key symbols like the desert, the mirror, and the wind appear throughout the poem. These serve not only as natural elements but as metaphors for internal states—purity, reflection, and surrender.
Influence of Indian Philosophy
It is impossible to ignore the influence of Indian thought on The Natural Man. During his time in India, Thompson studied with sages and immersed himself in sacred texts. This exposure manifests clearly in the poem’s non-dualistic worldview.
He suggests that the dualities of good and evil, right and wrong, self and other—are mental constructs. By transcending them, the natural man realizes oneness with all existence. This idea forms the spiritual backbone of the work.
Modern Relevance of the Natural Man
Why does The Natural Man still matter today?
In an age dominated by distraction and artificiality, Thompson’s message is more relevant than ever. He invites us to reconnect—not just with nature, but with our inner being. Amidst the noise of modern life, his call to silence resonates deeply.
The poem also serves as a critique of Western materialism. Thompson subtly challenges readers to reconsider their values and question whether they are living authentically—or merely existing within a script they never chose.
Contrast with Western Literary Traditions
Interestingly, while rooted in Eastern spirituality, The Natural Man can also be read as a critique of Western rationalism. Thompson’s emphasis on intuition over intellect, and being over doing, subverts dominant Western paradigms.
This does not mean he rejects Western thought entirely. Rather, he integrates the best of both worlds—using poetic language to bridge the gap between contemplative East and active West.
Final Reflections: Becoming the Natural Man
To read The Natural Man is to embark on an inward journey. It is not a narrative with characters and plot. Instead, it is a spiritual mirror, reflecting back the reader’s own aspirations, doubts, and truths.
Ultimately, the natural man is not an ideal to be worshipped, but a state to be remembered. As Thompson suggests, it is not about becoming someone new, but about returning to who we truly are—untouched, aware, and free.
Conclusion
So, what is The Natural Man by Lewis Thompson about? It is about returning—to self, to silence, to spirit. It is a work that refuses easy categorization, blending poetry with philosophy and mysticism. For readers willing to pause, reflect, and open themselves to its message, The Natural Man offers not just insights, but transformation.