The Meaning Behind "He Who Makes A Beast Of Himself"

Have you ever heard the phrase "he who makes a beast of himself"? It’s a common expression used to describe someone who has lost control and is acting in a wild or violent manner. But where did this phrase come from, and what does it really mean?

Origins of the Phrase

The origins of the phrase "he who makes a beast of himself" can be traced back to the 18th century, when it was used by the philosopher and writer Edmund Burke. In his book "A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful," Burke wrote: "No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear… When danger or pain press too nearly, they are incapable of giving any delight, and are simply terrible; but at certain distances, and with certain modifications, they may be, and they are, delightful."

Burke’s point was that the emotions of fear and pain can be pleasurable in certain contexts, but when they become too intense, they can overwhelm us and turn us into beasts. This idea was later expanded upon by other writers and thinkers, who used the phrase to describe a variety of behaviors and situations.

The Meaning of the Phrase

At its core, the phrase "he who makes a beast of himself" refers to the idea that humans have the capacity to act like animals when they are overcome by their emotions. When we lose control and give in to our primal impulses, we can become violent, aggressive, and irrational.

This idea is supported by research in psychology, which has shown that our emotions can have a profound impact on our behavior. For example, studies have found that people who are angry are more likely to act aggressively, while those who are anxious are more likely to be paranoid and suspicious.

When we allow our emotions to take over, we can lose sight of our rational thinking and act in ways that are harmful to ourselves and others. This is why it’s important to learn how to control our emotions and channel them in a healthy way.

Examples of "Beastly" Behavior

So what does it mean to "make a beast of oneself" in practice? Here are a few examples:

• Getting into a physical fight with someone over a minor disagreement
• Driving aggressively or recklessly, endangering yourself and others on the road
• Engaging in substance abuse or other destructive behaviors to cope with negative emotions
• Abusing or mistreating others, whether physically or emotionally
• Allowing jealousy or envy to consume you, leading to harmful actions towards others

These behaviors all stem from a lack of emotional control and a failure to regulate one’s impulses. When we act like beasts, we are not living up to our potential as humans who have the ability to reason, empathize, and create.

How to Avoid "Beastly" Behavior

If you want to avoid making a beast of yourself, there are a few key strategies you can use:

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and aware of your thoughts and feelings. By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to recognize when you are starting to feel overwhelmed or reactive, and take steps to calm yourself down before you act impulsively.

Learn Emotional Regulation Techniques

Emotional regulation techniques can help you manage your emotions in a healthy way. This might include techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Identify Triggers

Understanding what triggers your emotional responses can help you avoid situations that might lead to "beastly" behavior. For example, if you know that being around certain people or in certain environments tends to make you feel angry or anxious, you can take steps to avoid those triggers.

Seek Help When Needed

If you find that you are struggling to control your emotions, it’s important to seek help from a qualified professional. A therapist or counselor can help you develop strategies for emotional regulation and work through the underlying issues that may be contributing to your behavior.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the phrase "he who makes a beast of himself" refers to the idea that humans have the capacity to act like animals when they are overcome by their emotions. We all have the potential to engage in "beastly" behavior, but by practicing mindfulness, learning emotional regulation techniques, identifying triggers, and seeking help when needed, we can avoid giving in to our primal impulses and live up to our full potential as human beings. Remember, we are not beasts – we are capable of reasoning, empathy, and growth.