World
The world is the planet Earth and all life upon it, including human civilization. In a philosophical context, the "world" is the whole of the physical Universe, or an ontological world (the "world" of an individual). In a theological context, the world is the material or the profane sphere, as opposed to the celestial, spiritual, transcendent or sacred spheres. "End of the world" scenarios refer to the end of human history, often in religious contexts.
World
Heed not the folk who sing or say
In sonnet sad or sermon chill,
"Alas, alack, and well-a-day!
This round world's but a bitter pill."
We too are sad and careful; still
We'd rather be alive than not.
Graham R. Tomson, Ballade of the Optimist; reported in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 911-17.
