What is a man, if his chief good and market of his time be but to sleep and feed? a beast, no more. Sure he that made us with such large discourse, looking before and after, gave us not that capability and god-like reason to fust in us unused.
In this quote from Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' the speaker reflects on the purpose of human existence. The assertion that a man’s primary pursuits should not be merely eating and sleeping suggests that these activities are characteristic of animals rather than humans. The idea is that humans are endowed with intellect and reason, implying that their potential is squandered if they engage only in basic survival without striving for deeper meaning.
The quote emphasizes the belief that to lead a fulfilling life, individuals must utilize their capacity for thought and reflection. The mention of having "god-like reason" indicates that humans are expected to pursue higher goals and engage in self-improvement, rather than remaining dormant and unproductive. This serves as a challenge to live purposefully and intentionally, in line with one's inherent capabilities.
