Drugs age you after mental excitement. Lethargy then. Why? Reaction. A lifetime in a night. Gradually changes your character.
In "Ulysses," James Joyce explores the concept that drug use accelerates the aging process, particularly after experiencing heightened mental stimulation. The intense reactions that come from this period of excitement lead to a state of lethargy, suggesting that the body and mind require recovery from such extremes.
The phrase implies a profound transformation occurs over time due to drug use, suggesting that a lifetime of experiences and changes can take place within a single night. This gradual shift in one's character points to the deeper consequences of substance use, reflecting on how it alters individuals fundamentally.
