31. For these fools of men and their woes care not thou at all! They feel little; what is, is balanced by weak joys: but ye are my chosen ones.
The opening of the Daleth set of verses. The Empress - Salt.
To me the phrase "these fools of men" has an of airy quality about it. It maybe a reference to that particular quality of air that causes division, or at least the illusion of division. I see here the apparent "curse" of separate existence and all the troubles and strife that naturally arise due to that limited perspective of life.
For fool read ego-self?
"care not thou at all!" The structure of this phrase seems strange to me and I am believe that there is a hidden meaning related to not-all.
But the surface meaning of this part of the verse always brings to my mind a particular saying. "You can't help a man who won't help himself." Real change comes only from within, not without.
From a Thelemic perspective that doesn't mean you can't offer someone help in times of need. But if the other party doesn't accept the helping hand you can't force it upon them. It's usually a waste of time and effort. A possible warning against one of the excesses of the The Empress? Over protective, sentimental mother-love, that cossets and coddles and is all to often confused with compassion.
(Chogyam Trungpa's, Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, is worth reading on the real meaning of compassion. He describes it as ruthless and fearless. Not sentimental and full ego gratifying false pity.)
They feel little; what is, is balanced by weak joys
I assume that "They" are the divided with their limited perception of life. Wrapped up in the fears generated by the ego's self preservation instincts and childish needs for self gratification.
but ye are my chosen ones
Chosen ones? But there is no them and us. No Thelemites and Others. All is one.
Again, you can't help a man or woman who won't help themselves.
and to each man and woman that thou meetest, were it but to dine or to drink at them, it is the Law to give. Then they shall chance to abide in this bliss or no; it is no odds.