"La société apprivoise le loup en chien Et l'homme est l'animal le plus domestiqué de tous"

The essence of this quote lies in the idea that society shapes individuals, often taming their wild, natural instincts to fit into more acceptable norms and roles. Essentially, just as wolves have been domesticated and turned into dogs, humans have been shaped by societal expectations and constraints, becoming "domesticated" creatures themselves.

Historically, this quote reflects on the evolution of both human civilization and individual development. Think about it: early humans had to be wild to survive—hunting, fighting, and constantly on the move. But as societies formed, rules and norms were established to create order and cooperation. Over thousands of years, we've gradually become more and more domesticated, losing some of our raw, survival-driven instincts.

Now, picture this: there's a young woman named Sara. She has a deep-seated passion for painting—she loves it, it’s the one thing that makes her feel truly alive. However, Sara’s family and friends have always pushed her towards a stable career in law or medicine because, well, "that’s more practical." So, she goes to law school, gets a job at a big firm, and settles into a life that society deems "successful." Over time, though, Sara feels increasingly stifled and disconnected from her true self—she’s been tamed. Her wild, creative spirit has been subdued to fit societal expectations.

So how do we apply this wisdom to our lives? First off, recognize the ways in which you've been domesticated. It’s not all bad, of course—some societal norms are necessary for us to live together peacefully. But it’s crucial to identify which parts of yourself you may have suppressed to fit in. Ask yourself: are you pursuing a career, relationship, or lifestyle because it truly resonates with you, or because it’s what’s expected?

Here’s a bit of advice: find a balance between being a functional member of society and staying true to your inner nature. Maybe you can’t drop everything to pursue painting full-time like Sara wants to, but you can carve out time for it. Maybe you’ve always wanted to travel, but felt you had to stick close to home for your job or family—find a way to take that trip, even if it’s just for a short while.

Imagine this scenario: You’re at a coffee shop, watching people walk by. There’s a man in a sharp suit, clearly on his way to an important meeting, and a woman with a backpack, looking like she's been traveling for months. Both are products of society, but they’ve taken different paths. Which one resonates more with you? Why? Reflecting on questions like this can help you understand the ways in which you’ve been "domesticated" and how you might reclaim some of your wild spirit.

Life’s about balance—embracing the parts of ourselves that society shapes while also holding on to the wild, unique aspects that make us who we are. Remember, it's okay to be a bit of both—a domesticated wolf and a wild dog.