Last Updated on: 19th January 2023, 03:42 am

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security 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 exposure.”

This profound quote by American author Helen Keller, articulate precisely why it is essential to live a fulfilling life, expand comfort zones and take some measured risks. We don’t know the amount of time that we have and, as Helen Keller points out, in the long run, we are all dead anyway.

The quote is taken from Miss Keller’s book “Let Us Have Faith” which was published in 1940 from the chapter titled “Faith Fears Not.”

Her exact quote from the chapter is: “Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. God Himself is not secure, having given man dominion over His works! Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold. Faith alone defends. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.”

Upon analysis, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing,” is one of the most inspirational quotes that I have come across during my retirement travel adventures.

It neatly summarizes what happens when we give in to our fears and let our desire for security and comfort waste what is ultimately the most precious of all our resources; our time. We each only get a certain amount of time and allowing our fears to limit us, or force us into an ordinary life, doesn’t change that fact.

Why We Need To Focus on What Is Important

As we get older, it is important to focus on the things that matter most. How many times can we say, “maybe next year,” before it becomes apparent that our dreams are slipping away?

How far does spending on safe, but only momentarily exciting new baubles, delay having that life-changing experience? Life begins at the edge of our comfort zones, why not make the leap and begin living life as an adventure? Escape the routine and make life bigger by having some new experiences.

No, it is not necessary, or even desirable, to engage a life full of dangerous behaviors. But, we need to accurately measure risk, face our fears and dare to have the adventures we have dreamed of. Prioritizing security over our experiences is “no safer in the long run than exposure.”

Ultimately, everyone – those who prioritize comfort or those who prioritize experiences – the rich or the poor – those who seek security or those who are “devil may care” – end up at the same place. Time stops for no one, what matters is how we use the time we have.

To quote another great American philosopher, Hunter S. Thompson – “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”

See also:

• Taking a Leap of Faith
• The Things You Own End Up Owning You Essay
• Essentials Required for Retiring Overseas
• Why No-one Cares About Your Travels
• Non Financial Tricks For A Happy Retirement
• When Enough Is Enough
• The Good Enough Retirement
• Happy Retirement Wishes
  
  
  

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