Connecting nothing with nothing: The call for gratitude and compassion

The modern world often feels fragmented, hollow, and disconnected. T.S. Eliot’s famous phrase “connecting nothing with nothing,” from The Waste Land, encapsulates the existential despair of an era bereft of meaning, values, and genuine human connection. This sentiment resonates deeply in literature, from the tragic disintegration of moral order in Shakespeare’s Macbeth and King Lear to the existential futility of Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.

Together, these texts illustrate the profound hollowness of life devoid of compassion, charity, and moral values, while also calling upon humanity to fill this void with purpose, generosity, and acts of service. By exploring the themes of moral decay and the potential for renewal, this article examines how literature not only critiques a hollow existence but also inspires action for a life of meaning.

Eliot’s The Waste Land offers a poignant exploration of a spiritually barren modernity. The poem paints a desolate picture of individuals disconnected from each other and their moral foundations. In lines such as, “What are the roots that clutch, what branches grow / Out of this stony rubbish?” Eliot evokes a sense of existential emptiness. The phrase “connecting nothing with nothing” epitomizes the lack of meaningful relationships and the alienation prevalent in modern life.

Eliot suggests that this hollowness arises from the absence of spiritual and moral guidance. In contrast to this desolation, the poem concludes with a glimmer of hope in the Upanishadic chant “Datta. Dayadhvam. Damyata.” (Give. Sympathize. Control.), highlighting the transformative power of giving, gratitude and compassion. For Eliot, a fragmented life can be redeemed through acts of charity and selfless service.

The moral hollowness depicted in The Waste Land finds a compelling parallel in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Macbeth’s unchecked ambition and moral compromise lead to his spiritual disintegration. As he ascends the throne through murder and treachery, he laments, “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player / That struts and frets his hour upon the stage / And then is heard no more.” This nihilistic view reflects Macbeth’s realization that his life, devoid of moral grounding, has become meaningless.

Much like Eliot’s critique of spiritual barrenness, Macbeth shows how abandoning compassion and moral values in pursuit of self-interest leads to self-destruction. Macbeth’s story is a cautionary tale, reminding readers that ambition untempered by charity and responsibility results in a hollow existence.

While Macbeth portrays moral decay, King Lear offers a more redemptive narrative. Lear’s initial arrogance and selfishness lead to devastating consequences, as he divides his kingdom among his daughters based on their flattering declarations of love. Betrayed by Goneril and Regan, Lear descends into madness, lamenting, “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is / To have a thankless child!”

Yet, amidst the tragedy, Lear’s journey is one of moral awakening. His suffering teaches him the value of compassion, evident in his reconciliation with Cordelia. When Lear declares, “We two alone will sing like birds i’ the cage,” he reveals a newfound appreciation for human connection. The play emphasizes that even in a fragmented world, compassion and love can restore meaning to life.

In Waiting for Godot, Samuel Beckett explores the futility of human existence in a world devoid of purpose. Vladimir and Estragon’s endless waiting for the mysterious Godot symbolizes humanity’s search for meaning in an indifferent universe. The characters’ repetitive actions and circular dialogue reinforce the hollowness of their lives. Estragon’s lament, “Nothing happens, nobody comes, nobody goes, it’s awful,” encapsulates the despair of modern existence.

However, Beckett also suggests that even in an absurd world, human connection and small acts of kindness can provide solace. The companionship between Vladimir and Estragon, though fraught with tension, underscores the importance of relationships. Beckett’s work challenges readers to confront the absurdity of life with compassion and resilience, rather than succumbing to despair.

The common thread running through these works is the critique of a hollow life and the recognition of compassion as a remedy. Eliot’s The Waste Land urges humanity to embrace the virtues of giving, sympathy, and self-control. Similarly, Shakespeare’s King Lear and Macbeth show that moral and spiritual fulfillment lies in acts of charity and love, not in selfish ambition. Beckett’s Waiting for Godot reminds us that even in a meaningless world, human connection has value.

Other modern texts, such as Albert Camus’s The Myth of Sisyphus, echo this sentiment. Camus argues that while life may be inherently absurd, humans can create meaning through their actions. Sisyphus, condemned to an eternal cycle of labor, finds purpose in his defiance and persistence. This perspective aligns with the idea that life’s worth is determined by our commitment to serving others and improving the world around us.

In today’s world, the themes explored in these literary works are more relevant than ever. Modern society faces its own form of “connecting nothing with nothing,” characterized by social fragmentation, consumerism, and environmental degradation. The absence of moral values and compassion exacerbates issues such as inequality, political polarisation, and climate change.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for renewal. Acts of charity, whether through philanthropy, volunteerism, or simple kindness, can bridge divides and create a more humane society. As Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This principle underscores the transformative power of giving, both for individuals and for the world at large.

The hollowness critiqued in Eliot’s The Waste Land and other literary works is not an inevitable condition; it is a challenge to be overcome. By embracing compassion, charity, and moral responsibility, individuals can create a life worth living. As Kahlil Gibran writes in The Prophet, “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” This idea reinforces the importance of selflessness in building a meaningful existence.

For humanity to thrive, it must move beyond selfishness and short-term thinking, addressing global challenges with a spirit of generosity and unity. Whether through combating climate change, reducing inequality, or fostering social harmony, acts of service are essential for creating a better future.

T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land warns of the dangers of a life devoid of meaning, while Shakespeare’s tragedies and Beckett’s absurdist plays explore the consequences of moral decay and disconnection. Together, these works call upon humanity to fill the void with compassion, gratitude, charity, and purpose.

In an age marked by challenges and opportunities, the message is clear: the best way to counter the fragmentation and despair of modern life is through acts of service and love. By “connecting something with something” — building relationships, fostering empathy, and giving selflessly — humanity can create a world that is not a waste land but a flourishing garden. Let us heed the wisdom of these literary giants and strive to make our lives and the world truly worth living.

* Rahman M Mahbub is the Head of the Department of English, City University, and an academician, author, researcher and poet. He can be contacted at [email protected]