SELLING SOUL Meaning and
Definition
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"Selling one's soul" refers to a metaphorical concept where an individual relinquishes their values, integrity, or moral principles for personal gain or advantage. It implies a voluntary surrender of one's core beliefs, often in exchange for power, wealth, or success.
Derived from religious and philosophical notions, the term alludes to the idea of making a pact with a malevolent force or entity, traditionally associated with the devil or supernatural powers. In this context, "selling one's soul" suggests making a Faustian bargain—a deliberate and conscious trade-off between eternal damnation or spiritual betrayal and worldly desires or ambitions.
The phrase is often used figuratively in everyday language to describe compromising one's principles or compromising ethical, moral, or personal values for personal gain. It could involve engaging in acts that are perceived as unscrupulous, deceitful, or unethical to achieve material success, professional advancement, or other advantages.
The concept frequently appears in literature, music, and popular culture, symbolizing the conflict between personal ambitions and maintaining one's moral compass. The concept also serves as a cautionary tale, reminding individuals about the detrimental consequences of sacrificing their authenticity or principles solely for self-serving purposes.
Ultimately, the notion of "selling one's soul" serves as a powerful metaphor understanding the ethical and moral dilemmas individuals face when confronted with the desire for immediate gratification or personal gain at the expense of their inner beliefs and values.
Common Misspellings for SELLING SOUL
- aelling soul
- zelling soul
- xelling soul
- delling soul
- eelling soul
- welling soul
- swlling soul
- sslling soul
- sdlling soul
- srlling soul
- s4lling soul
- s3lling soul
- sekling soul
- sepling soul
- seoling soul
- selking soul
- selping soul
- seloing soul
- sellung soul
- selljng soul
Etymology of SELLING SOUL
The phrase "selling soul" is derived from the metaphorical concept of making a pact or exchange involving one's soul. Its etymology can be traced back to various cultural, literary, and religious beliefs.
One of the earliest references to selling one's soul is found in ancient Greek mythology. In the story of the musician and poet Orpheus, the character Eurydice dies and Orpheus ventures into the underworld to bring her back. He strikes a deal with Hades, the god of the underworld, that he could take Eurydice back to the land of the living if he does not look back at her until they reach the surface. However, overcome with doubt, Orpheus looks back, breaking the agreement and losing Eurydice forever. This tale presents a concept similar to selling one's soul by making a bargain and failing to uphold it.
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