American Essayist and Social Critic H.L Mencken
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American essayist and social critic H.L Mencken wrote, ” The average man does not want to be free. He simply wants to be safe.” Menckens observation applies to contemporary society by comparing the two topics – safety and freedom.
Many people throughout the world struggle for both freedom and safety. This can apply to instances such as work, love, and life in general. He is generally stating the average man would rather be safe with a good balanced life where he is in a “good state” rather than out doing whatever he can with freedom. Saying this, they are looking out for the future, not just going wild with the present. They would rather stick to the right path than do something to mess it up. Freedom on the other hand is the opportunist choice, unsure of where they are going tomorrow, but trying to make the best out of it. He believes to keep safe than let loose in tempting freedom is thing to do because he does not want to risk what he has for a moment of fun. Man is only looking out for the long term effects rather than short term. Basically concerned about the future more than the present. In hopes that the wise decisions hes made will protect his attributes in the long end.
H.L Mencken wrote, ” The average man does not want to be free. He simply wants to be safe.” To explain the views of an average man whom wants a bright future for himself , not stepping outside boundaries and sheltering himself from anything that could alter his life in a negative way.