3 ms·
We go into a defensive state because we're all worried that we won't be able to correct mistakes made. For example: quit your job to try your hand at a start-u
by mdasen 18y ago
We go into a defensive state because we're all worried that we won't be able to correct mistakes made. For example: quit your job to try your hand at a start-up. In good times, it fails and you just grab yourself a job with some firm after it fails. In bad times, it fails and you don't get another job. Or at least that's the fear. We fear that we won't be able to correct things if something goes wrong.
- alyx 18y agoDespite what society tells us, I think that fear is normal and totally acceptable. We know ourselves best. And sure, after the fact we can say things like "oh I should have", "I could have" or "if only I wasn't scared", but you know what, that's life. Hindsight is 20/20. The key is looking back on the situation and spotting the signs that should have encouraged you rather than made you scared. And perhaps you can pass that knowledge to your future generation and hope that they put your experience to use.
- scott_s 18y agoWe don't choose to fearful. But we do choose what information we expose ourselves to. A surfeit of scary information can be harmful; it can make us more scared than we need to be. The author's research indicates this can lead to making bad decisions because we're expending our mental effort on being scared.
- drwh0 18y agoA surfeit of scary information can be harmful; it can make us more scared than we need to be that works both ways. a surplus of naively optimistic information (you! can! flip! a! house! today!, no money down), encourages excess risk. if anything though, the "fear" of negative consequences is nonsensical now because for many americans, avoiding disaster is not an option, disaster is already happening. positive thinking isn't going to unforeclose their home.