Three carved theatrical masks in black, charcoal and pale grey show different degrees of frowning against slate.

Original artwork, not a still

Epicurus

Most men are in a coma when they are at rest and mad when they act.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The line harshly describes most men as unresponsive at rest and irrational in action. The contrast expresses a sweeping judgment, not a medical diagnosis or an established account of people’s behaviour.

Context reviewed

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