It is human nature to be reluctant to take chances. Most of us prefer the security of the status quo over the gamble of taking chances that might lead to success, but also might lead to failure and embarrassment. But how much progress can we make either as individuals or as a society if we are not willing to stick out our necks occasionally? Eugene O'Neill wrote, "Happiness hates the timid! So does Science!" Was he right? Does timidity reduce our happiness and impede progress?
Of course, there is a difference between timidity and reasonable caution, but
the line between the two is indeed a very fine line. According to an old
Malaysian proverb, "Fear to let fall a drop and you spill a lot." Too
much caution can be just as bad as too little. Helen Keller wrote,
"Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure.
The fearful are caught as often as the bold."
How many of
us settle for a less enjoyable life than we could have if we were less afraid
to take chances? How many of us are too afraid to cultivate friendships for
fear we might be rejected? How many of us are afraid to try new things
because of our fear of the unknown?
Some of us exaggerate the consequences of having something we try not work
out. We have an unhealthy fear of failure. Perhaps if we tried more
things we would discover that it is not as bad to face failure occasionally as
it is to be afraid to try new things. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson,
"Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions.All life is
an experiment."
The problem for all of us is to strike the right balance between caution and
boldness. We all know people who are not cautious enough. Some
people risk their own lives as well as the lives of others because they are not
fearful enough of the dangers that face us all. In matters that could pose a
real threat to our lives and safety, most of us would rather err on the side of
being too cautious than not being careful enough. That seems to be only
common sense.
But what about those situations where the worst that can happen to us if we
fail is embarrassment? Is the threat of embarrassment, or even total
humiliation, sufficient reason for us to forgo trying things that might enrich
our lives? In the words of Logan Pearsall Smith, "What is more
mortifying than to feel that you have missed the plum for want of courage to
shake the tree?"
Allen W. Smith
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Yes, the movement of the turtle is so painstakingly slow, but, it is progress.