Conan What Is Best in Life Quote has become one of the most iconic and oft-quoted phrases in pop culture, leaving an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.
At its core, this quote is a reflection of the complexities of human nature, where the pursuit of pleasure, power, and personal fulfillment can be both the ultimate goal and the source of great pain.
Illustrating the Quote through Artistic and Creative Works

In the realm of Conan, one of the most iconic and enduring quotes is “That is best in life,” a phrase spoken by Conan the Barbarian after his encounter with Thulsa Doom. This quote has been immortalized in countless artistic and creative works, from comics and literature to music and art. In this section, we will explore the various ways in which this quote has been illustrated, rewritten, and reinterpreted in creative endeavors.Designing a Visual Representation of Conan’s Encounter with Thulsa DoomA visual representation of Conan’s encounter with Thulsa Doom is a striking illustration that features the quote in a prominent position.
The artwork depicts Conan standing tall, his sword held high as he gazes upon the words “That is best in life” etched into the stone floor of the temple. The background is a dark, ominous cave, and Thulsa Doom’s presence is subtly suggested by the shadows. The color palette is muted, with shades of gray and brown dominating the scene.
The overall effect is one of foreboding and intensity, underscoring the gravity of Conan’s confrontation with the sorcerer.
Reimagining the Event through Short Story
A short story that retells the event from the perspective of one of the characters can be a powerful way to weave the quote into the narrative. One such example is a piece written from Thulsa Doom’s perspective, where he reflects on the encounter with Conan and the wisdom the young barbarian imparted to him. The story would begin with Thulsa Doom’s musings on the nature of power and the human condition, eventually leading to the climactic confrontation with Conan.
The quote would be embedded into the narrative, highlighting the transformative impact it had on the characters involved.
References in Art, Music, and Literature
The quote “That is best in life” has been referenced in various forms of art, music, and literature, demonstrating its enduring appeal and relevance. A notable example is the use of the quote in a song by a renowned heavy metal band, where the lyrics weave together Conan’s encounter with Thulsa Doom and the quote’s profound implications. The song’s soaring chorus and crushing riffs create a sonic landscape that perfectly captures the intensity and emotion of the original story.
Comic Book Illustration
A comic book illustration of Conan’s encounter with Thulsa Doom would be a unique take on the classic scene, utilizing the medium’s visual storytelling capabilities to bring the quote to life. The artwork would likely feature Conan and Thulsa Doom in a dramatic pose, with the quote emblazoned across a nearby stone pedestal. The colors would be bold and vibrant, with a focus on dynamic lighting and textures to create a sense of tension and drama.
References in Other Creative Works
The quote “That is best in life” has appeared in various forms of creative works beyond the realm of comics and literature. A notable example is a film featuring a protagonist inspired by Conan, who utters the quote as a moment of defiance against an oppressive force. The quote serves as a turning point in the story, highlighting the character’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Parallels and Influences on Popular Culture References

Popular culture references to the Conan quote have become a staple of entertainment. The phrase “Conan, you are destined to wear the jeweled crown, but first, you must find the source of the dark crystal and wield the magical Sampo!” has been referenced, parodied, and reinterpreted in numerous forms of media, cementing its place in the zeitgeist.
References in Comedy Sketches, Conan what is best in life quote
Parodies and references in comedy sketches have become a favorite pastime for artists. The Muppets, for instance, have referenced the Conan quote in their own inimitable style, poking fun at the absurdity of the line. Similarly, Family Guy’s cutaway gags have featured the quote, often for humorously unrelated reasons. This trend has continued with the likes of Robot Chicken, another stop-motion animated series, which has woven the quote into its narrative as a nod to the larger cultural phenomenon.
References in Movies and Books
Movies and books have also drawn inspiration from the Conan stories, incorporating the quote as a motif to tap into its cultural significance. The 2009 film The Losers, based on the DC Comics series, featured a scene where the characters reference the quote, showcasing its relevance in contemporary popular culture. Meanwhile, authors like Neil Gaiman and Joe Abercrombie have nodded to the Conan stories in their own works, demonstrating the enduring influence of the quote.
For example, Gaiman’s novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane features a character who refers to a similar phrase as a magical incantation, echoing the sentiment of the Conan quote. Similarly, Abercrombie’s The First Law trilogy includes a scene where one of the main characters refers to a powerful artifact as the “sceptre of darkness”, reminiscent of the dark crystal referenced in the Conan quote.
Variations in Representation
The Conan quote has been reinterpreted to suit different storytelling styles and tonal contexts, demonstrating its versatility and adaptability. When depicted in action-adventure contexts, the quote’s focus on danger, risk, and high stakes is accentuated, whereas in more satirical settings, its absurdity is highlighted. This variation in representation has allowed the quote to transcend its origins as a fictional phrase and become a symbol of the allure of adventure and the thrill of the unknown.
For those who cherish the legendary warrior Conan’s wisdom, “What is best in life?” is often translated to “To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women.” But have you ever stopped to consider what’s really the best choice for your aquatic allies? Choosing the right water for your fish tank can be just as crucial to their survival as Conan’s battles were to his victory.
In the end, a healthy environment is what’s truly best for life.
- Prolific author Joe Abercrombie often draws parallels between his fantasy worlds and historical settings.
- The Muppets’ adaptation showcases its potential in comedy.
- Fantasy author Neil Gaiman frequently incorporates mythology, folklore, and magical elements in his stories.
- Family Guy, Robot Chicken, and The Muppets often subvert expectations in their storytelling
- The Losers (2009 film) references the quote for its action-oriented plot.
- The First Law trilogy (Joe Abercrombie’s work) has been compared to the dark fantasy subgenre of grimdark.
Interpreting the Quote through a Feminist or Postcolonial Lens

The quote, often regarded as the epitome of ruthless ambition, is replete with meaning when viewed through the lens of feminist and postcolonial theory. While its surface-level interpretation may imply a celebration of unbridled power, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced exploration of societal expectations and cultural exploitation.
Subverting Patriarchal Norms and Expectations
From a feminist perspective, the quote can be seen as a commentary on the objectification and commodification of women. The phrase “crush their enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of their women” is a stark reminder of the ways in which patriarchal societies have historically used women as rewards or tokens of conquest.In the context of feminist theory, the quote highlights the ways in which women’s bodies and lives are often treated as commodities to be bought, sold, and exploited.
The classic quote “What is best in life?” from Conan the Barbarian may not be directly related to your morning routine, but it does resonate with the quest for the perfect breakfast dish. Much like Conan’s relentless pursuit of greatness, the search for the best breakfast burrito sauce can be a culinary journey that requires dedication and a willingness to try new things.
Ultimately, the answer to Conan’s question may lie in the satisfaction of devouring a perfectly crafted breakfast burrito, where the flavors align and the ingredients come together in harmony.
The character’s brutal and efficient tactics, which include the elimination of potential threats and the subjugation of women, serve as a potent reminder of the ways in which patriarchal societies enforce their dominance over others.According to French philosopher and feminist theorist, Simone de Beauvoir, “one’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others.” By extension, the quote’s emphasis on the importance of power and conquest can be seen as a form of “othering,” where the value of one’s own life is directly tied to the subjugation and exploitation of others.In the postcolonial context, the quote can be seen as a commentary on the impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures and societies.
The character’s experiences as a victim of cultural exploitation serve as a powerful reminder of the ways in which colonialism has been used to justify the subjugation and domination of indigenous communities.According to Edward Said, one of the leading thinkers on postcolonial theory, “the discourse of colonialism is always about the relationship between a metropolitan center and a peripheral periphery.” By extension, the quote’s emphasis on the importance of crushing one’s enemies and hearing the lamentations of their women serves as a potent reminder of the ways in which colonialism has been used to justify the exploitation and subjugation of indigenous communities.
Use in Feminist and Postcolonial Scholarship
The quote has been used in feminist and postcolonial scholarship to explore themes of power, exploitation, and resistance. In the context of feminist theory, the quote has been used to highlight the ways in which women’s bodies and lives are often treated as commodities to be bought, sold, and exploited.For example, in her book “The Beauty Myth,” feminist theorist Naomi Wolf uses the quote to illustrate the ways in which women’s bodies are often reduced to their physical appearance, with beauty standards serving as a form of cultural imperialism.Similarly, in the context of postcolonial theory, the quote has been used to highlight the ways in which colonialism has been used to justify the exploitation and subjugation of indigenous communities.For example, in his book “Orientatism,” Edward Said uses the quote to illustrate the ways in which colonialism has been used to justify the exploitation and domination of indigenous cultures and societies.In her book “Subaltern Studies,” Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak uses the quote to highlight the ways in which subaltern voices have been silenced and marginalized in the context of colonialism and imperialism.By examining the quote through a feminist or postcolonial lens, we are reminded of the ways in which power, exploitation, and resistance are deeply intertwined, and that even the most seemingly brutal statements can reveal deeper truths about the societies in which we live.
Final Summary: Conan What Is Best In Life Quote
In conclusion, the ‘What Is Best in Life’ quote has transcended its origins in Robert E. Howard’s Conan stories to become a timeless and universal theme that continues to captivate and inspire us.
As we delve deeper into the intricacies of this quote, we find that it serves as a poignant reminder of the human condition, encouraging us to reflect on our values, desires, and the true meaning of happiness.
Top FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the origin of the ‘What Is Best in Life’ quote?
The quote originates from Robert E. Howard’s Conan stories, specifically from the character Conan the Barbarian.
Q: What is the meaning behind the quote?
The quote is a commentary on the human condition, exploring themes of hedonism, nihilism, and personal fulfillment.
Q: Where has the quote been referenced in popular culture?
The quote has been parodied or referenced in various forms of media, including The Muppets, Family Guy, and other comedy sketches.