Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote invites us to reconsider our perceptions of safety and security, arguing that they are largely illusory constructs. It emphasizes the inherently unpredictable and uncertain nature of life, and encourages us to embrace this uncertainty rather than attempt to control or avoid it. By suggesting that avoiding danger is no safer than facing it head-on, the quote pushes us to confront our fears and step outside of our comfort zones. In doing so, we can seize opportunities for personal growth, transformation, and discovery. Moreover, the quote highlights the importance of living life as a daring adventure, filled with risks and rewards, as opposed to merely existing in a state of stagnation or complacency. By embracing this adventurous mindset, we can fully engage with the world around us and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." was said by Helen Keller (Bio / Quotes). Helen Keller was an American author, political activist, and lecturer who was deaf and blind from a young age.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The quote, "Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing," can be vividly illustrated by the voyages of Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century.
Columbus lived in a time when the known world was limited to Europe, parts of Asia, and the northern coast of Africa. The Atlantic Ocean was seen as a vast and perilous frontier, filled with unknown dangers, possibly monstrous creatures, and a potential drop off at the edge of the Earth. The prevailing belief was that remaining within the confines of what was known was safer and more secure than venturing into the unknown. Yet, this "security" was an illusion—a superstition that held back exploration and progress.
In 1492, Columbus defied the fears and superstitions of his time by embarking on a daring voyage across the Atlantic. His decision to sail into the unknown was not without risk; the dangers were real. He could have faced shipwreck, mutiny, starvation, or even the possibility of never returning. However, by choosing to embrace the uncertainty and potential danger, Columbus opened up a new chapter in human history. His voyages led to the eventual discovery of the Americas, which fundamentally transformed the world, initiating an era of exploration, cultural exchange, and globalization.
The lesson from Columbus’s journey is that the perceived security of the known world was more of a superstition than a reality. If Columbus had avoided the dangers of exploration, he would have achieved nothing extraordinary. It was through facing and accepting the risks of the unknown that he accomplished something that changed the course of history. His life, and the lives of many others, became a daring adventure that led to unprecedented discoveries and opportunities.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
The quote can be applied to many aspects of real life, particularly when making decisions that involve stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Imagine a person who has a stable job, one that provides a steady income but lacks fulfillment or growth opportunities. They might be tempted to stay in this job indefinitely, thinking that this stability represents security. However, this sense of security is often a superstition—an illusion of safety that prevents them from pursuing something greater.
Let’s consider someone who has always dreamed of starting their own business. The idea of leaving the safety of their current job to venture into the uncertainty of entrepreneurship is daunting. They might fear financial instability, the possibility of failure, or the loss of their current lifestyle. However, avoiding the risks of starting their own business might be no safer in the long run than confronting those risks head-on. Staying in a secure but unfulfilling job could lead to long-term dissatisfaction, missed opportunities, and a life filled with regret.
By embracing the idea that life is "either a daring adventure, or nothing," the individual might decide to pursue their entrepreneurial dream despite the risks. They may face challenges and setbacks along the way, but they also open themselves up to the possibility of creating something meaningful, experiencing personal growth, and achieving their full potential. The daring adventure of entrepreneurship, with all its uncertainties, might lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding life than clinging to the perceived security of a safe job.
In this scenario, the quote serves as a reminder that true security doesn’t come from avoiding risk but from embracing the adventure that life offers. By facing the unknown and accepting the challenges that come with it, we can turn our lives into a daring adventure filled with possibilities, rather than settling for the safety of the familiar, which may ultimately leave us unfulfilled.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
