Beter ….. Jan dan dode Jan. Ander woord voor vreesachtig. crypt. (3)
“Better to be Jan than dead Jan. Another word for fearful.”
This cryptic phrase may seem confusing at first, but it actually holds a simple and profound message. The phrase is a play on words, using the name “Jan” as a metaphor for someone who is alive and full of fear, as opposed to someone who is dead and free from fear.
The message behind this phrase is that it is better to be alive and fearful than to be dead. Fear is a natural human emotion that serves as a protective mechanism, alerting us to potential dangers and prompting us to take action to protect ourselves. While fear can be uncomfortable and sometimes overwhelming, it is also a sign of life and vitality.
On the other hand, being dead means being free from fear, but it also means being devoid of all other experiences and emotions. Death is final and irreversible, and once we are dead, we no longer have the opportunity to feel fear or any other emotion.
In essence, the phrase “Beter ….. Jan dan dode Jan” reminds us to embrace our fears as a part of being alive. Fear may be uncomfortable, but it is a natural and necessary part of the human experience. It is a sign that we are alive and that we have the opportunity to overcome our fears and grow stronger as a result.
So the next time you feel afraid, remember that it is better to be Jan than dead Jan. Embrace your fears, face them head-on, and use them as a springboard for personal growth and self-improvement. After all, a life lived in fear is still better than no life at all.