So it is too that in the eyes of the world it is dangerous to venture. And why? Because one may lose. But not to venture is shrewd. And yet, by not venturing, it is so dreadfully easy to lose that which it would be difficult to lose in even the most venturesome venture, and in any case never so easily, so completely as if it were nothing...one's self. For if I have ventured amiss--very well, then life helps me by its punishment. But if I have not ventured at all--who then helps me?Apart from the fact that I seem to be certain of punishment, regardless whether I dare or not - I'm not entirely able to accept that - it's one of the most beautiful formulations of a "pull yourself together". If I dare, I become wiser and may even win more than that; If I dare and fail, I will nevertheless (if you read it in the right way) be able to use the punishment of life as a help. (If you read the Danish original in a more pessimistic way, life's help could simply be to give me the punishment).
The one who does not dare may win earthly benefits of gaining comfort through cowardice, but he will none the less, according to Kierkegaard, lose himself.
(Translated from Hvo intet vinder..., originally published October 16th, 2014)
Indeed! We find meaning through doing and venturing into new territories! Not that we define ourselves by a single thing we do, but we find meaning in the cumulative ventures we take and the people we meet along the way can make the experience even richer. May we dare to venture and enrich our lives and those of others! Have a wonderful rest of the week Henrik!
ReplyDeleteBojosi from Canada.
Very true. We should never become complacent and settle for who we are now, but always strive to develop and become better versions of ourselves.
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