A DEVIL’S Response to HAMLET’S Big Question: “To Be Or Not To Be”?

<p>In a previous episode, we meditated over a question than which, in my opinion, there simply is none bigger, more profound, nor more important: </p><p><br></p><p>“TO BE, OR NOT TO BE”. </p><p><br></p><p>(Or, in other words: to keep on living, or to give up and die).</p><p><br></p><p>This is the famously quotable line with which Act III of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” opens. </p><p><br></p><p>Hamlet, the troubled Prince of Denmark does what he does best: he dithers. I suppose, ultimately, he decides NOT to be (a decision for which nearly everyone close to him suffers). </p><p><br></p><p>In “Paradise Lost”, the great epic written by John Milton, an unlikely proponent of the “TO BE” position, Belial (one of Satan’s fellow demons!) comes forth and answers Hamlet. </p><p><br></p><p>He says, in short: </p><p><br></p><p>“To be no more; sad cure; for who would lose, </p><p>Though full of pain, this intellectual being”? </p><p><br></p><p>Join in this fascinating meditation as we explore a devil’s “pro-life” response to Shakespeare’s Hamlet! </p><p><br></p><p>Become a part of the Pneuma family (16 members strong!) by subscribing to this channel. “Like” this episode, give it a good rating, and share it with a loved one. </p><p><br></p><p>Leave me a note in the comments section below, or send me an email directly at <a href="mailto:pneuma.finneran@gmail.com">pneuma.finneran@gmail.com</a></p><p>Check out my other project @finneranswake, available on YouTube and Podcast streaming services. </p><p><br>May you enjoy tranquility and bliss! </p><p><br></p>