Mae West: 'Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.'

Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.

Mae West, a renowned actress, singer, and playwright, once said, "Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before." This quote has a straightforward meaning that can be interpreted as an acknowledgment of the human tendency to seek new experiences, even when faced with choices that may not necessarily be ideal. It highlights an inherent curiosity within us, pushing us to explore uncharted territories and embrace the unknown.The importance of Mae West's quote lies in its encouragement to break free from the limitations of our comfort zones and embrace the excitement of unfamiliar possibilities. It suggests that life should not be lived within the confines of monotony but rather with a spirit of adventure, taking risks, and consciously choosing the road less traveled.However, let us delve deeper into this idea and introduce an unexpected philosophical concept – the concept of relativism. Relativism asserts that there is no universal truth or absolute morality. Instead, it posits that all truths, values, and moralities are relative to individuals or societies. In the context of Mae West's quote, relativism adds another layer of complexity.Relativism challenges us to question whether the choices presented to us can truly be categorized as "evils." What one person may perceive as an evil, another may view as a morally acceptable option. Each individual's experiences, upbringing, values, and beliefs shape their perspective on what is right or wrong. In this sense, the distinction between two "evils" becomes subjective, and what may be an evil to one person might be a lesser evil or even a non-issue to another.Considering relativism within the framework of Mae West's quote leads us to reflect on the subjectivity of our choices. When faced with a decision between two potential "evils," do we truly have a clear understanding of what evil means? Can we confidently label one choice as being worse than the other?This philosophical concept challenges the simplicity of Mae West's quote, highlighting the complexities of morality and ethical decision-making. It suggests that picking the "unknown" out of the two options may not necessarily be the most valid approach. Rather, it prompts us to critically analyze our choices, understanding the broader context, and questioning our inherent biases and assumptions.Despite this nuanced perspective, Mae West's quote still carries immense value. It encourages us to embrace novelty and break away from the confines of our comfort zones. It reminds us not to shy away from embracing new experiences, even if they might seem daunting, uncomfortable, or unknown. The quote emphasizes the importance of growth, transformation, and learning through the exploration of uncharted territories.In conclusion, Mae West's quote, "Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before," offers a thought-provoking insight into the human inclination for adventure and novelty. It captures the essence of our curiosity and the desire to continually seek new experiences. By introducing the concept of relativism, we deepen our understanding of decision-making processes and acknowledge the subjectivity of our choices. In this complex interplay between the known and the unknown, we are reminded of the importance of balancing our exploration with critical analysis and ethical considerations. Ultimately, Mae West's quote pushes us to embrace the beauty of the unexplored and embrace the endless possibilities that lie beyond our comfort zones.