when we’re afraid

Summary

The text reflects on the human condition, exploring how we cope with fear and temptation through creativity and expression, despite the oppressive nature of understanding.

Abstract

The passage presents a philosophical contemplation on the nature of fear and human response to it. It suggests that warmth, both physical and emotional, can inspire us to sing, yet the talent of understanding can be a source of torment. The author posits that we often internally deny our darkest impulses, akin to silently screaming "no" in the vacuum of space. Despite our fears, we find ways to cope through smiles, songs, laughter, and jokes. The text implies that our collective understanding of the world's workings juxtaposes our inherent fears, leading to a paradoxical existence where we continue to express ourselves even in the most stifling circumstances.

Opinions

The author believes that the ability to understand can be both a gift and a curse, as it brings about the awareness of our own limitations and darker nature.
There is an opinion that silence, particularly in the context of saying "no," can be as powerful and meaningful as spoken words.
The text suggests that human expression, such as smiling or singing, is a coping mechanism against fear and loneliness.
The author implies that the human spirit is resilient, finding ways to express joy and creativity even in environments that are inherently oppressive or devoid of sound, like space.
The piece conveys a sense of wonder about the human condition, questioning why we experience fear despite our comprehension of the world around us.

when we’re afraid

A work created by a daydreaming, philosophizing poet.

Photo by I.am_nah on Unsplash

It’s a lovely time when it is warm outside. it warms our hearts, and we feel like singing. there is a texture about warm air. it oppresses sound; we cannot sing, blessed with the extraordinary torturous talent of understanding. have you ever been brought to your knees?

the word “no,” out of context, means nothing at all. a denial, a rejection, a casual refusal, said many times a day. for even when we do not vocalize, voice “no” into the still, warm air, inside we are constantly saying “no” to our worst impulses and our darkest temptations. we are saying “no” on our knees before some devil. it is said that in space, no one can hear you scream. why is it assumed you’d be screaming?

we smile when we’re afraid. we sing when we’re lonely. we laugh at what scares us, and we joke about what troubles us. the torturous power of understanding prompts us to stand in the oppressive air. somehow, i think we’d sing in space, too. we all understand how the world works. so why are we so afraid?