“When insecurity reaches a certain point, the fear of losing prevents us from enjoying what we possess already,” observed 19th century philosopher Jeremy Bentham. “The care of preserving condemns us to a thousand sad and painful precautions, which yet are always liable to fail of their end.”
Author Astra Taylor recently pointed me to Bentham’s work. He was writing primarily about money and how a fear of losing wealth can lead to imagining and preparing for outcomes that will never occur. But Bentham’s observation can be applied to many aspects of our lives – our relationships, work, creativity. The path of persistent insecurity and preservation, Bentham believed, leads only to sadness and pain.
What is the path that leads away from insecurity, precaution, and preservation?
The path of faith, gratitude, and generosity.
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