“A disturber of the peace, a spoiler, a serpent or corrupting agency is necessary to “get the play going”. It must function as “Lucifer”, a bringer of light, of new information and awareness. Initially the disruptive element will tend to be perceived as evil, and the disturber who personifies it will be rejected and made a scape goat.
The Greek word “DIABOLOS” means “confuser”.
Goethe makes god say:
For, man’s activity can easily abate
He soon prefers uninterrupted rest
To give him this companion hence seems best
Who roils and must as devil help create.”
(Faust)
Quite clearly, creativity is implied by the poet as the intention and purpose of the “devils” antagonistic function”.
Whitmont MD
Alchemy of Healing