thetinman,thewizard,andaheart

The tin man, the wizard, and a heart

by Bob on March 11, 2007

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum was an amazing inventory of life's lessons and brilliant writing. One would do well to take note of his implications.

At a time in our days when perhaps emotions are at a lower notch than they ought to be, one listens to the storyline.

The ancient Greeks had the myth of the metals re-canted in Plato's Republic --- Gold, Silver, and Bronze, inherited from earlier legends such as Hesiod who wrote on the three ages of Man being gold, silver and bronze. Gold went to the rulers to be, silver to the auxiliaries, and bronze to producers. It is related metaphorically to their destiny in life. And we also have the Gold, silver and bronze of the Olympic Games. And so on. Metals are very important in life, and for society, and for the metallurgist and blacksmith, both of whom in very ancient times were considered kind of magicians.

So back to Oz.

The Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and the Tin Man.

A heart is what the Tin Man wanted so very much. In the adapted version we have this passage.

* * * * *

The Wizard: As for you, my fine friend — you're a victim of disorganized thinking. You are under the unfortunate delusion that simply because you run away from danger, you have no courage. You're confusing courage with wisdom. Back where I come from though we have men who are called heroes. Once a year, they take their fortitude out of mothballs and parade it down the main street of the city. And they have no more courage than you have. But — They have one thing that you haven't got! A medal! Therefore — for meritorious conduct, extraordinary valor, conspicuous bravery against wicked witches, I award you the Triple Cross. You are now a member of the Legion of Courage!

...

The Wizard: As for you, my galvanized friend, you want a heart! You don't know how lucky you are not to have one. Hearts will never be practical until they can be made unbreakable.

The Tin Man: But I still want one.

The Wizard: Back where I come from, there are men who do nothing all day but good deeds. They are called phila-, er, er, philanth-er, yes, er, good-deed doers, and their hearts are no bigger than yours. But they have one thing you haven't got - a testimonial. Therefore, in consideration of your kindness, I take pleasure at this time in presenting you with a small token of our esteem and affection. And remember, my sentimental friend, that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.

* * * * *

And in the original The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum we have this simply:

* * * * *

"How about my heart?" asked the Tin Woodman.

"Why, as for that," answered Oz, "I think you are wrong to want a heart. It makes most people unhappy. If you only knew it, you are in luck not to have a heart.

"That must be a matter of opinion," said the Tin Woodman."For my part, I will bear all the unhappiness without a murmur, if you will give me the heart.

"Very well," answered Oz meekly. "Come to me tomorrow and you shall have a heart. I have played Wizard for so many years that I may as well continue the part a little longer."

* * * * *

Dr. C.G. Jung once wrote on "Modern Man in Search of a Soul". Perhaps we can pay attention to Mr. Baum's message and have hope for Modern Man in Search of a Heart as the Dali Lama and other spiritual leaders and wise people caution us on the necessity of compassion in our modern world.