D. H. Lawrence: 'Men always do leave off really thinking, when the last bit of wild animal dies in them.'

Men always do leave off really thinking, when the last bit of wild animal dies in them.

The quote by D.H. Lawrence, "Men always do leave off really thinking, when the last bit of wild animal dies in them," suggests a profound idea about the loss of essential thinking capabilities as humans become more civilized and detached from their primal instincts. It speaks to a transformation that occurs within individuals as they conform to societal norms and abandon the raw and instinctual nature that is inherent in all humans. In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning and importance of this quote, and introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to explore the contrast between our civilized selves and our more untamed counterparts.At its core, this quote implies that as humans become more domesticated and disconnected from wildness that resides within them, they lose their ability to genuinely think and reason. It argues that true thinking requires a certain level of primal instincts, a connection to our wild animal nature that enables us to tap into our most intuitive and authentic selves. In the face of societal expectations, many individuals suppress or ignore these primal instincts, leading to a stagnation in their ability to think critically and independently.The importance of this quote lies in the reminder that humans are not just intellectual beings but are also deeply connected to their animal nature. As societies evolve, there is often a tendency to prioritize control, order, and conformity over embracing and nurturing our innate instincts. In doing so, we risk stifling our capacity for genuine thought and limiting our potential for personal growth and societal progress. This quote serves as a cautionary reminder of the significance of maintaining a balance between our civilized selves and our untamed instincts.Now, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that adds an intriguing dimension to our exploration. Friedrich Nietzsche, a renowned philosopher, introduced the idea of the "Übermensch" or the "Superman." In his philosophical work, Nietzsche proposed that the truest form of human potential could only be realized when an individual transcended societal influences and attained a state of self-actualization.Drawing a parallel with Lawrence's quote, we can consider the idea that the last bit of wild animal dying in humans is not necessarily a negative occurrence, but rather an opportunity for transformation and growth. Nietzsche's concept of the Übermensch suggests that by rising above societal expectations, individuals can tap into their wildness and innate instincts, enabling them to achieve a heightened state of thinking and being.While Lawrence's quote emphasizes the potential loss incurred as individuals become more civilized, Nietzsche's concept of the Übermensch portrays a path towards reclaiming and harnessing that lost wildness. By integrating these two ideas, we unveil a fascinating dichotomy between the loss of wildness as a constraint on genuine thinking and the possibility of reclaiming it to reach extraordinary heights of self-actualization.In conclusion, D.H. Lawrence's quote invites us to reflect on the connection between our wild animal nature and genuine thinking. It warns against the dangers of dismissing or suppressing our primal instincts in favor of conformity and societal expectations. Introducing Nietzsche's concept of the Übermensch adds depth to our understanding by presenting an alternative perspective that suggests the recovery of our untamed selves can lead to transcendent thinking. Ultimately, this quote and the philosophical concept it intertwines with encourages us to embrace our wildness, understanding that it is not merely the last bit of our humanity to die but the key to unlocking our full potential as thinking beings.