"人々は不確かさより不幸を選ぶ。"

People have a strong tendency to stick with what's familiar, even if it makes them unhappy, rather than face the unknown. It’s like we’re wired to avoid the discomfort of uncertainty at all costs. This idea is rooted in the basic human need for security and predictability. We often prefer the devil we know over the devil we don’t. It’s a bit like choosing to stay in a job you hate because the thought of job hunting and the possibility of failing feels worse.

To understand why this happens, think back to a time before modern conveniences. Our ancestors had to deal with real, life-threatening uncertainties — wild animals, unpredictable weather, scarcity of food. In such a world, sticking to the known, even if it meant discomfort or unhappiness, often meant survival. So, our brains evolved to favor the familiar, the predictable — anything that felt like a sure thing.

Let’s take a real-life example. Imagine you’re in a relationship that’s not fulfilling. You’re not happy, but the thought of breaking up, dating again, or being alone seems even more daunting. So, you stay. I had a friend, let's call her Sarah, who was in just such a situation. She'd been with her partner for years, and while he wasn’t terrible, he was indifferent and uncommunicative. They’d fallen into a routine that was more about convenience than connection. Whenever we talked about her leaving, she’d list out all the uncertainties: where would she live? Would she even find someone else? What if she ended up alone forever? Fear of the unknown kept her in a known but unhappy situation for a long time.

Now, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by recognizing when you're choosing unhappiness out of fear. Ask yourself: what’s the worst that could happen if you faced the uncertainty? Often, we realize the fear is much bigger in our heads than in reality. Take small steps towards embracing uncertainty. If it's a job you're unhappy with, maybe start by looking at job listings casually, or talking to friends about potential opportunities. Dipping your toe into the unknown can make it feel less intimidating.

Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a swimming pool. The water looks cold, and you’re nervous about jumping in. But the longer you stand there, shivering on the side, the more you build up this fear. Then, you see a kid run past you and cannonball in. They pop up, laughing, having the time of their life. That kid faced the uncertainty head-on and ended up enjoying the plunge. Sometimes, we need to take that leap, even if it feels scary.

So next time you find yourself clinging to something unhappy but familiar, think about the kid at the pool. You don't need to dive headfirst into every unknown, but it's worth questioning if the certainty of your current unhappiness is really better than the risk of something new. You might surprise yourself with what you find on the other side.