The quote “I live, I love, I slay, and I am content,” is a famous line from the Conan the Barbarian Omnibus – The Original Stories by Robert E. Howard. It has become a mantra for those who seek to live a life of passion and purpose. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning behind this quote and what it means to live a life that is truly fulfilling.
The Origin of the Quote
Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Barbarian stories were first published in the 1930s and have since become some of the most iconic works of fantasy literature. The character of Conan is a barbarian warrior who roams the land in search of adventure and glory. In one of the stories, Conan is asked if he ever gets tired of the constant fighting and danger, to which he replies, “I live, I love, I slay, and I am content.”
What Does the Quote Mean?
At first glance, the quote may seem like a simple statement of Conan’s lifestyle. He lives, he loves, he slays, and he is content with that. But upon further examination, we can see that there is a deeper meaning behind these words.
“I live” – To live means to be fully present in the moment and to experience all that life has to offer. It means to embrace new experiences, meet new people, and to constantly learn and grow.
“I love” – Love is the most powerful emotion we can experience. It gives meaning to our lives and connects us to others. To love is to be vulnerable, to open ourselves up to the possibility of heartbreak and pain. But it is also the only way to truly connect with others and experience the fullness of life.
“I slay” – This line is often misinterpreted as glorifying violence, but it actually refers to Conan’s willingness to confront the challenges and obstacles in his path. To slay can mean to conquer our fears, doubts, and insecurities, and to push ourselves beyond our limits.
“And I am content” – Contentment is not complacency. It is the ability to find peace and happiness in the present moment, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. It is the realization that true happiness comes from within, and not from external sources.
Living a Life of Passion and Purpose
The quote “I live, I love, I slay, and I am content,” can be seen as a call to action for those who seek to live a life of passion and purpose. It reminds us that life is meant to be lived fully, with all of its ups and downs. It encourages us to embrace our passions and to pursue our dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.
Living a life of passion and purpose requires courage and perseverance. It means stepping out of our comfort zones and taking risks. It means confronting our fears and pushing ourselves beyond our limits. But it also means experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life that is true to who we are.
Overcoming Obstacles
One of the key themes in the Conan the Barbarian stories is the idea of overcoming obstacles. Conan faces countless challenges throughout his adventures, but he never gives up. He is determined to succeed, no matter what obstacles stand in his way.
In our own lives, we will also face obstacles and setbacks. But like Conan, we can choose to persevere in the face of adversity. We can use our challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, and emerge stronger and more resilient as a result.
Finding Contentment
In the context of the quote, “I live, I love, I slay, and I am content,” it can be interpreted as Conan finding contentment in his way of life. Although his actions are violent and aggressive, he finds fulfillment in his abilities and his ability to live life on his own terms.
Living a life that is true to oneself and finding contentment in one’s actions is an important aspect of personal growth and development. However, it is also important to recognize the impact that our actions have on others and the world around us. It is not enough to simply do what makes us happy without considering the consequences.
Conan’s character is often portrayed as a lone wolf, acting solely for his own benefit without regard for the consequences of his actions. While this may be an appealing concept for some, it is not a sustainable way of living. In reality, we are all interconnected and our actions have a ripple effect that can impact others in ways we may not even realize.
In his pursuit of contentment, Conan also exemplifies the importance of taking action and not being afraid to pursue one’s goals. Whether it’s in love, life, or slaying one’s enemies, Conan is a character who takes action and doesn’t let fear hold him back. This is a valuable lesson for anyone who may be hesitant to pursue their dreams or take risks in their lives.
Furthermore, the quote can also be seen as a call to live life to the fullest and not waste a single moment. Conan is a character who lives life with passion and intensity, whether he is fighting for his life or pursuing his romantic interests. His philosophy of living for the moment and not letting anything hold him back is a lesson that can be applied to all aspects of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the quote “I live, I love, I slay, and I am content” from Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Barbarian Omnibus – The Original Stories represents a complex philosophy of life. It highlights the importance of finding contentment in one’s actions, taking risks and pursuing one’s goals without fear, and living life to the fullest. However, it is also important to recognize the impact that our actions have on others and the world around us. Ultimately, it is up to us to find a balance between living a fulfilling life and being mindful of the consequences of our actions.
