The quote "whosoever is delighted in solitude is either a wild beast or a god" is attributed to Sir Francis Bacon, a renowned English philosopher, statesman, and essayist from the Renaissance period. The meaning of this quote suggests that people who find joy and contentment in being alone or in solitude fall into one of two extremes.
"Wild beast": The phrase "wild beast" implies that those who are happy in solitude may have unsocial or untamed tendencies. It suggests that they prefer isolation because they might struggle with social interactions, lack empathy, or have difficulty forming meaningful connections with others. In this context, the word "wild" may refer to an untamed or unrefined nature that doesn't conform to societal norms or social conventions.
"God": On the other end of the spectrum, "god" represents a being of divine or extraordinary qualities. It suggests that individuals who find delight in solitude may have profound insights, introspection, or inner strength. They may possess a deep sense of self-awareness and inner peace, akin to the wisdom or composure often attributed to gods or enlightened beings.
In essence, this quote highlights the extreme nature of finding happiness in solitude. It contrasts the untamed, unsocial aspect ("wild beast") with the highly enlightened, self-aware, and spiritually evolved aspect ("god") of those who find contentment in being alone. The quote does not present a middle ground, suggesting that people who take pleasure in solitude tend to gravitate toward either one extreme or the other.