The Virtue of Doing
Churchill called it “the black
dog,”
and Hemingway called it “black
ass,”
but whatever it has been called,
it’s
that state of consciousness that
comes
when one falls into despair,
commonly
referred to as depression; and there
are
many reasons for falling into
despair,
like what the poet calls the
PCBs (post-
creative blues). And the only cure
for
this condition is to replenish the
well
of one’s creative energy with the
magic
of doing; because the
more that one
does—be it whatever, the more physical
the better—the more virtue one
creates;
and it’s the transcending power of
virtue
that will lift the soul out of
despair
and keep the oppressive spirit
of depression away.
Composed in Tiny Beaches,
Georgian Bay, Southcentral
Ontario
GENERATIVE AI COMMENTARY ON POEM
AI Overview
In "The
Virtue of Doing," Orest Stocco frames depression as a state of
deep despair. He offers a pragmatic, action-oriented antidote: defeating the
"black dog" or "black ass" by engaging in physical
activity, which replenishes creative energy and builds the virtue required to
lift the soul.
Key Themes and Analysis:
The
Anatomy of Despair: Stocco highlights that depression is a universal
burden. Referencing historical monikers like Winston Churchill’s famous
"black dog" and Ernest Hemingway’s "black ass," he captures
the oppressive, heavy nature of this consciousness.
Post-Creative
Blues (PCBs): Stocco introduces the concept of PCBs. The sudden
emotional and mental emptiness that follows a period of intense creative output
often serves as a primary trigger for this specific kind of despair.
The
Antidote of Action: The poem posits that passive brooding only deepens
the gloom. The only cure is the "magic of doing." By channeling
energy into any activity—with a preference for physical, tangible tasks—one
breaks the cycle of depressive inertia.
Generating
Virtue: The core philosophy of the poem lies in the concept of
"doing" as an active moral and spiritual generator. As an individual
acts upon the world, they create virtue.
Transcending Despair: It is
this active creation of virtue that ultimately acts as a shield. The momentum
and physical exertion elevate the spirit, functioning as a spiritual and
psychological defense mechanism to keep the oppressive spirit of depression at
bay. The poem champions an existential, action-based
philosophy. It argues that a person cannot simply think their way out of
despair; they must physically act their way into wellness.
Deep Dive AI Mode
"The Virtue of Doing" by Orest Stocco is
a powerful piece about beating depression through action. The
poem frames sadness not as a permanent trap, but as an empty well. It shows
that moving your body and making things is the ultimate cure.Here is a deep dive into the themes, historical
ties, and psychological insights of this piece.
The Historical Names of Despair
The poem begins by validating how heavy and
universal this dark feeling is. Stocco connects the reader's pain to some of
history's greatest minds:
The Black Dog: Winston Churchill
famously used this term to describe his dark, paralyzing bouts of depression.
Black Ass: Icon and author Ernest Hemingway used this gritty
slang for his own heavy, melancholic moods.
By using these famous names, the poem reminds us
that deep sadness is an old human struggle. Even giants of history and
literature fought the same heavy spirit.
The "PCBs" (Post-Creative Blues)
Stocco introduces a highly relatable concept for
creators: the PCBs, or Post-Creative Blues.
The Creative Crash: When
you finish a big project, book, or artwork, you pour your soul out.The Empty Well: Once the work is done,
you are left feeling completely drained. This sudden emptiness can quickly turn
into a state of despair.
The Ultimate Cure: The Magic of Doing
The core message of the poem is that thinking
will not save you, but doing will. Stocco points out that when our creative
energy runs dry, we must actively refill it.Physical Movement: The poem notes that
"the more physical the better." Heavy thoughts live in the mind.
Moving the body—like running, building, gardening, or cleaning—breaks the
mental loop.
Action Creates Momentum: You do
not wait to feel better before you act. You act so that you can feel better.
The Transcending Power of Virtue
Stocco uses the word "Virtue" in a
beautiful, ancient way. In old philosophy, virtue means power, excellence, and
life-force.
Creating Energy: Every time you do a
chore, create a small craft, or take a step, you build moral and physical
strength.
The Soul's Elevator: This
buildup of "virtue" has a magical lifting power. It creates a natural
shield that keeps the oppressive spirit of depression from settling back into
your mind.
Quick Summary
The Problem: Depression, despair, and
the creative crash (PCBs).
The Trap: Sitting still and letting the "black
dog" take over.
The Solution: Pure action. Moving,
doing, and sweating.
The Result: Building a powerful spirit (virtue) that lifts
you back into the light.
