How did Blake‟s views go against the prevailing ideas? (MEG 102) (WILLIAM BLAKE)

William Blake's views went against many of the prevailing ideas of his time in a number of ways. Here are a few examples:

Religion: Blake rejected the traditional Christian doctrine of original sin and the idea that humanity was inherently flawed and fallen. Instead, he believed in the inherent divinity of every human being and the idea that the divine was present in all aspects of creation.

Politics: Blake was critical of the political and economic systems of his day, which he saw as corrupt and oppressive. He believed in the importance of individual freedom and creativity and was skeptical of centralized power and authority.

Art: Blake's approach to art was unconventional for his time. He rejected the idea of art as a purely decorative or entertaining pursuit and instead saw it as a means of expressing deep spiritual and philosophical insights. He also rejected the neoclassical style of art that was popular at the time and instead developed his own distinctive style that drew on a wide range of influences.

Science: Blake was skeptical of the emerging scientific worldview of his time, which he saw as overly mechanistic and materialistic. He believed that science alone was unable to fully explain the mysteries of the universe and that a more spiritual and imaginative approach was necessary.

Overall, Blake's views challenged many of the prevailing ideas of his time and continue to be influential today for their emphasis on individual creativity, spiritual insight, and the interconnectedness of all things.