“He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man”
— Samuel Johnson
Simplified Meaning:
Sometimes, people behave wildly or recklessly to avoid dealing with their problems or responsibilities. Imagine someone who drinks too much or takes drugs to escape their worries. They might feel free from stress for a while, but they lose control and might hurt themselves or others. In history, people like soldiers in war might do terrible things to survive, pushing away their feelings to deal with the horror around them. They act like they are not human to handle the pain. Another example is a person who works too hard and ignores their emotions, trying to escape the pain of their struggles by acting like a machine. To apply this to life, it’s important to face your problems and emotions rather than running away or ignoring them. It’s healthier to deal with pain instead of trying to hide from it in unhealthy ways, such as through substances or destructive behavior. Embracing your human side and confronting difficulties can lead to personal growth and better overall well-being.