The concept of not accepting an easy life, of pushing boudaries constantly, of craving and seeking ever greater challenges and pushing ones physical and mental limits is one that can at first glance be quite appealing, at least in the short term. When it is considered as a permanent lifestyle choice it can however be quite daunting, and is almost certainly something of a selfish choice. I would image that it can be quite challenging to live with someone who is constantly taking risks, constantly looking for a sense of danger, but I can again see that short term it could be quite exciting. I watched quite an interesting programme not too long ago about a pair of base jumpers and their families. Base jumping is one of the most extreme sports there is with a massive casualty rate both of serious injury and death, and consequently the pressure placed by participants on their partners can be very high indeed.
Of course there are all sorts of ways of living on the edge, from risking life and limb in sporting endeavours to taking commercial risks in business, but they all have their consequences. I wonder if there is a correlation between personality type and the need to take risks. It would appear anecdotally that the ego has a part to play in the risk taking drive, as does a failure to lose the sense of invincibility that tends to be inherent in younger children. We are by nature an inquisitive species, and it is almost certainly a part of what has allowed us to evolve as we have to become the dominant species. It should be noted however that there is a need to find a balance between risk taking and security that will allow an individual to balance on the edge successfully and create a vibrant and fulfilled life.
It's a dream at least......
No comments:
Post a Comment