He Who Makes A Beast Of Himself Gets Rid Of The Pain Of Being A Man

Have you ever heard of the quote, "He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man"? It’s a line from the famous writer, Samuel Johnson, and it’s a phrase that has been used in various contexts over the years. But what does it really mean?

The Origin of the Phrase

Samuel Johnson was an English writer who lived in the 18th century. He is best known for his dictionary, which was one of the most influential works of its time. However, he also wrote numerous essays and other pieces of literature. One of those essays was titled, "The Rambler, No. 60," and it contained the now-famous line, "He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man."

What Does It Mean?

At its core, the quote is about the idea of escapism. It suggests that when life becomes difficult, people might turn to vices or other forms of escape to deal with their problems. For example, someone might turn to alcohol or drugs to numb the pain of a difficult situation.

However, the phrase goes beyond just suggesting that people use vices to escape. It also implies that there is something inherently painful about being human. It suggests that life is difficult, and that people are constantly dealing with various struggles and hardships.

The Negative Connotations

While the phrase might seem appealing in some ways, it’s important to recognize the negative connotations that come with it. If someone is always making a beast of themselves, they might be seen as wild or uncontrollable. They might be seen as someone who lacks self-control or discipline.

Additionally, the phrase suggests that there is something inherently wrong or painful about being human. While it’s true that life can be difficult at times, it’s important to recognize the beauty and joy that can also be found in life.

A Different Interpretation

While the quote might have negative connotations, there is another way to interpret it. Instead of seeing it as a call to make a beast of oneself, one could see it as a call to embrace one’s wild side. Embracing one’s passions and desires can be a healthy way to cope with the difficulties of life.

For example, someone who loves to dance might find solace in going out and dancing the night away. Someone who loves to write might find catharsis in pouring their thoughts and feelings onto paper. The point is that there are healthy ways to embrace one’s wild side without succumbing to vices or unhealthy behaviors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man" is a quote that has been interpreted in various ways over the years. While it might suggest that people use vices to escape the difficulties of life, it’s important to recognize the negative connotations that come with that interpretation. However, there is another way to interpret the quote that involves embracing one’s passions and desires in a healthy way. At its core, the quote is about the struggles and hardships that come with being human, and the various ways in which people cope with those struggles.

FAQs

Q1. Who was Samuel Johnson?

Samuel Johnson was an English writer who lived in the 18th century. He is best known for his dictionary, which was one of the most influential works of its time.

Q2. What is the meaning of the phrase, "He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man"?

At its core, the phrase is about the idea of escapism. It suggests that when life becomes difficult, people might turn to vices or other forms of escape to deal with their problems.

Q3. What are some of the negative connotations associated with the phrase?

The phrase suggests that there is something inherently wrong or painful about being human. Additionally, if someone is always making a beast of themselves, they might be seen as wild or uncontrollable.

Q4. Is there a positive interpretation of the quote?

Yes, one could interpret the quote as a call to embrace one’s passions and desires in a healthy way. Embracing one’s wild side can be a healthy way to cope with the difficulties of life.

Q5. What is the message of the article?

The article explores the various interpretations of the phrase, "He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man." It suggests that while there are negative connotations associated with the quote, there is also a positive way to interpret it that involves embracing one’s passions and desires in a healthy way.