"I'll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure"

Mae West’s famous line, “I’ll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure,” pulsates with her characteristic wit and brazen confidence. At its surface, it speaks to a spirit of fearless experimentation and curiosity—an openness to novelty in all spheres of life, whether that involves experiences, relationships, or ideas. There’s a tongue-in-cheek sensuality embedded in her words, a flirtatious daring, hinting she isn’t afraid to step outside convention or propriety if pleasure or discovery is at stake.

Beyond boldness, the sentiment contains a clever approach to decision-making and self-awareness. Trying something once represents an openness to new opportunities, challenging one’s comfort zone without prejudice or preconceived notions. The willingness to repeat the experience “twice if I like it” points to savoring enjoyment or satisfaction, suggesting a refusal to limit oneself if something feels rewarding. “Three times to make sure” reveals a subtle layer: curiosity alone isn’t enough—judgments require confirmation, preferences demand certainty, and true enjoyment must be scrutinized and experienced fully. This reflects a sophisticated pursuit of authentic self-knowledge. Mae West isn’t content with fleeting impressions; she seeks to test, relish, and ultimately know her own mind.

The line also exudes individuality and autonomy. Rather than passively accepting others’ standards or advice, West advocates a path of direct experience. Her approach celebrates agency and a refusal to live by hearsay or caution. Coupled with her public persona, the saying promotes the values of self-discovery, playful courage, and living life unsparingly. There’s an implicit encouragement to break the molds of societal expectation—especially striking for women in her era—embodying a philosophy of living with gusto, guided by one’s own appetites and curiosities, unburdened by fear or regret. The result is both an invitation to adventure and a declaration of independent, joyful self-determination.