08.06.06
Deep Thought #6 – Trying Everything
Last week Lisa asked, “Should everyone try everything once?” So, whats the answer?
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It is hard to say. In short, no. There are many damaging things that people should never try. To take the question literally, you should never try jumping off a bridge that is relatively high above the water (probably 10ft+). Also, you should never try base jumping if you have never done anything similar, especially if you don’t know how to work a parachute.
To be a little less literal, what about things like drinking, smoking, drugs, and the like? It is a personal choice. In school they teach us that “bad” drugs are bad and never to smoke. Personally I don’t see why anyone would use drugs or cigarettes in the first place, as there is no real bennefit to them. The bennefit (if it can be called that) is out weighed by the monetary cost, the mental and physical strife and strain, and the chances of being caught and prosecuted.
Drinking is more mixed. Done stupidly, it is a terrible terrible thing. Not only can you die, but you can easily cause the death of others (drinking + driving = bad). Under contained circumstances I see no reason to refute it. It seems to be benneficial and highly amusing, and somewhat relaxing. Again, under -CONTAINED- circumstances. There are certain precautions people should take, and there should always be someone who won’t drink any (or very much) so they can do the driving.
As far as other less critical things, yes, trying things is great. I went a great many years of my life eating as a kid: pizza, spaghetti, other pasta, sugar, repeat. When I eventually wandered out into the world of taste, good cooking, subtle accents, and large mixtures of fruits and vegetables I could hardly comprehend how I had been living for so long! Case in point: chinese food. If you havent tried it, go eat it. Don’t call it disgusting, unworthy, or bad tasting if you have never touched the stuff.
Trying things, even if only once, can be benneficial and it will help you grow. Sampling various professions and subjects in school will help shape your future. Sampling various clothing styles can help shape your look. Sampling various foods can help develop -your taste-. Trying different pets as a kid can help you determine not only if you want pets in the future, but also give you a small taste of what its like to be a parent. Playing various video games can determine which type you like best and what you are good at. Trying various sexual positions ::cough:: gobble gobble ::cough:: can help define your tastes sexually, boost confidence, establish your sexual idenity, and provide pleasure.
In short, avoid harmful things. There is no point in ruining your life over something so futile. On less serious matters, trying less serious things is critical. People who try fewer things are more stuck up and less willing to be flexible, but they usually know what they like. On the other handy, some people are flimsy and like to try everything. They tend to be easy going, but probably lack definition.
Find your own personal balance. I would say try at least a dozen new things every year, if not more. If its not fun, amusing, or entertaining, don’t do it again. If its even remotely harmful, don’t try it.
Lisa said,
August 6, 2006 at 9:18 pm
Pot is a lot less harmful than alcohol, in my opinion, especially in cases of intoxicated driving. But I suppose it is more damaging to your brain, which is only minimally more important than your liver. Hm.
I don’t know whether or not people should try drugs or not. It’s their own body, and they have every right to do whatever the heck they want to it. I don’t see anything wrong with a bunch of people shooting up heroin in their basement if it’s not hurting anybody else.
Umm..as to everything else, people should definitely try it. Except suicide.