"The first time it felt really dangerous, like the sort of thing you had to lock the doors and close the curtains on because if anybody saw you, God would strike you down with a thunderbolt. But I took to it like a duck to water"
About this Quote
In this quote, Jamie Muir is describing an experience that at first felt forbidden or taboo, something that society or some kind of higher moral authority might discredit. The language he utilizes, such as "lock the doors and close the curtains", recommends an activity that requires secrecy and discretion, similar to hiding from potential judgment or penalty. The hyperbolic reference to God striking down with a "thunderbolt" underscores the perceived gravity or prospective repercussions of being found. It paints a vibrant picture of apprehension and the excitement of engaging in an activity that might be thought about daring or defiant.
Nevertheless, Muir contrasts this initial feeling of threat with a subsequent natural affinity, as represented by the expression "took to it like a duck to water". This simile suggests ease and convenience with the activity, indicating that once the preliminary worry and apprehension were overcome, it became something user-friendly and pleasurable for him. The shift from worry to reduce highlights a personal journey of welcoming something new and maybe unconventional.
Muir's words reflect a typical human experience: the stress in between societal standards and individual desires. Often, people experience circumstances where societal or cultural rules encounter private inclinations. At first, engaging in such activities might feel dangerous or forbidden, invoking fear of judgment or retribution. Yet, as one ends up being more familiarized and comfortable with the experience, it can become a source of freedom and authenticity. This quote catches that transformation and the duality of worry and liberty-- a recommendation of societal restraints and the individual growth that can come from challenging them.
Ultimately, Muir's reflection has to do with getting rid of internal and external barriers to embrace a path that, although at first intimidating, leads to individual fulfillment and a much deeper understanding of oneself.
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