In today’s world, it can be easy to lose sight of the importance of taking care of ourselves. We are so busy trying to keep up with work, social obligations, and our personal lives that it can be easy to forget to take a moment to look after our own physical and mental health. But if we don’t take care of ourselves, it can lead to serious consequences: as the old saying goes, “He who makes a beast of himself, gets rid of the pain of being a man.” This phrase highlights the importance of self-care and the damaging effects of neglecting it. In this article, we’ll discuss what it means to make a beast of oneself and how to ensure we don’t fall into this trap.
He Who Makes a Beast of Himself: This phrase is attributed to William Shakespeare, who wrote in his play Henry IV, Part I: “He that hath no stomach to this fight, let him depart; his passport shall be made, and crowns for convoy put into his purse; we would not die in that man’s company that fears his fellowship to die with us. This day is call’d the feast of Crispian. He that outlives this day, and comes safe home, will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam’d, and rouse him at the name of Crispian. He that shall see this day, and live old age, will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours, and say ‘To-morrow is Saint Crispian.’ Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars, and say ‘These wounds I had on Crispian’s day.’ Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot, but he’ll remember, with advantages, what feats he did that day. Then shall our names, Familiar in his mouth as household words, Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter, Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester, Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb’red. This story shall the good man teach his son; and Crispian shall ne’er go by, from this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remembered; we few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile, this day shall gentle his condition; and gentlemen in England now a-bed shall think themselves accursed they were not here, and hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks that fought with us upon Saint Crispian’s day.” The phrase “He Who Makes a Beast of Himself” is used to refer to someone who acts in a manner that is unbecoming of a human being. It is a reminder to act with dignity and respect, and to treat others with the same.
He Who Makes a Beast of Himself?
This phrase originates from William Shakespeare’s play “As You Like It” and is often used to refer to someone who has abandoned their own humanity and resorted to extreme behavior. By doing so, they have become a “beast” of sorts. The phrase is often used to refer to someone who has gone too far, either in their own behavior or in their words.
Meaning of the Phrase
The phrase “he who makes a beast of himself” has a few different interpretations. Generally, it is used to describe someone who has acted out in such an extreme manner that their own humanity has been forgotten. They may have resorted to violence, cruelty, or other behaviors that are not generally considered to be civilized.
The phrase can also be used to describe someone who has spoken out in an overly emotional or irrational manner. They may have said things that they later regret or that have caused offense to others. In this case, the phrase is used to describe the person’s own lack of self-control.
The Origin of the Phrase
The phrase “he who makes a beast of himself” is most famously used in William Shakespeare’s play “As You Like It”. In this play, the phrase is used to describe someone who has abandoned their own humanity and resorted to extreme behavior. The phrase is used to describe a character’s descent into animalistic behavior and their lack of self-control.
The phrase has since entered the common lexicon and is used to refer to anyone who has abandoned their own humanity and resorted to extreme behaviors. It is a reminder that even the most civilized people can still resort to animalistic behavior when pushed too far.
Examples of Use
“He who makes a beast of himself, gets rid of the pain of being a man.” – William Shakespeare
“He who makes a beast of himself forgets that he is human.” – Unknown
“He who makes a beast of himself has lost all sense of humanity.” – Unknown
Related FAQ
What is the origin of the phrase “He Who Makes a Beast of Himself”?
The phrase “He Who Makes a Beast of Himself” originates from a line in William Shakespeare’s play, “As You Like It”. The full line reads, “He who the sword of heaven must bear, / Should be as holy as severe. / Pattern in himself to know, / Grace to stand, and virtue go; / More nor less to others paying / Than by self-offences weighing. / Shame to him whose cruel striking / Kills for faults of his own liking! / Twice treble shame on Angelo, / To weed my vice, and let his grow! / O, what may man within him hide, / Though angel on the outward side! / How may likeness made in crimes, / Making practice on the times, / To draw with idle spiders’ strings / Most pond’rous and substantial things! / Craft against vice I must apply: / With Angelo to-night shall lie / My haggard body in th’street; / He who the sword of heaven must bear / Should be as holy as severe. / He who the sword of heaven must bear / Should be as holy as he is bold. / He who makes a beast of himself / Gets rid of the pain of being a man.”
What does the phrase “He Who Makes a Beast of Himself” mean?
The phrase “He Who Makes a Beast of Himself” is a warning against becoming too engrossed in the pursuit of power and material gain. It suggests that in order to be truly successful and happy, one must maintain a balance between self-discipline, morality, and indulgence. It implies that those who strive too hard to gain material wealth or power can become overly selfish and cruel, losing their sense of humanity and morality.
Who wrote the phrase “He Who Makes a Beast of Himself”?
The phrase “He Who Makes a Beast of Himself” is a quote from William Shakespeare’s play, “As You Like It”. The play was written by Shakespeare and first performed in 1599.
What is the context in which the phrase “He Who Makes a Beast of Himself” appears?
The phrase appears in a speech by the character Duke Senior in Act 2, Scene 7 of “As You Like It”. The speech is a warning to the character Angelo, who is trying to take advantage of his power to punish people for their perceived wrongdoings. The Duke is warning Angelo that if he continues to overemphasize his own power and neglect his own moral obligations, he will become a monster.
What is the tone of the phrase “He Who Makes a Beast of Himself”?
The tone of the phrase “He Who Makes a Beast of Himself” is cautionary and moralizing. The phrase implies that one should not become too obsessed with pursuit of power and wealth, as it will lead to becoming a monster. The phrase also implies that one should maintain a balance between self-discipline, morality, and indulgence in order to be truly successful and happy.
Why is the phrase “He Who Makes a Beast of Himself” so well-known?
The phrase “He Who Makes a Beast of Himself” is so well-known because it is a quote from William Shakespeare, one of the most well-known writers in the English language. The phrase is also very relevant to modern life and its warnings against the pursuit of power and money is applicable to many people in today’s world.
Ultimately, the ancient proverb, “He who makes a beast of himself, gets rid of the pain of being a man,” reminds us that it is better to be honest about our struggles and to accept our humanity, rather than try to run from the pain. For, in the end, it is only when we are brave enough to acknowledge our weaknesses that we can discover our true strength.