Human beings cling to their delicious tyrannies and to their exquisite nonsense, till death stares them in the face

Human beings cling to their delicious tyrannies and to their exquisite nonsense, till death stares them in the face

Sydney Smith, a prominent English writer and clergyman, was known for his wit and humor, as well as his keen observations on human nature. One of his most famous quotes is, “Human beings cling to their delicious tyrannies and to their exquisite nonsense, till death stares them in the face.” This quote speaks to the tendency of people to hold onto their beliefs and habits, even when faced with the harsh reality of mortality.

Smith's words highlight the paradoxical nature of human behavior. Despite our awareness of our own mortality, we often choose to ignore it and continue living in a state of denial. We cling to our “delicious tyrannies” – the things that give us comfort and security, even if they are ultimately harmful to us. Whether it be a toxic relationship, a destructive habit, or a misguided belief, we hold onto these things because they provide us with a sense of familiarity and control.

Similarly, we also cling to our “exquisite nonsense” – the irrational beliefs and delusions that we use to make sense of the world. These can take the form of superstitions, conspiracy theories, or simply a refusal to accept reality. We create elaborate narratives to justify our actions and beliefs, even when they are clearly illogical or harmful.

However, as Smith points out, eventually death will stare us in the face, forcing us to confront the futility of our attachments and illusions. In the face of mortality, all of our petty tyrannies and nonsensical beliefs are stripped away, leaving us with the stark reality of our own mortality. It is in these moments of clarity that we are forced to reckon with the choices we have made and the illusions we have clung to.