It’s not unusual to find ourselves “on the horns of a dilemma.”
This refers to a common fallacy that seemingly offers us only two choices, as if there can be no other.
The most common version of this is seen when we’re offered a choice between safety and freedom.
For instance, a great deal of public policy today is driven by fear and an aversion to risk.
However, just because we’re told that something is being done out of concern for our safety, doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea or that it’s necessary.
Safety, after all, has become a tried and true catchall excuse for expanding government control.
When increased government control fails to provide the promised safety, we’re told that the only option is to give those in power even more control.
Prisons are the most tightly controlled environments in the world yet no one aspires to live in one.
In the real world, there will always be risk.
People will make mistakes.
Some will misuse their freedom.
This doesn’t justify preemptively limiting everyone’s freedom to avoid such outcomes.
Wherever there are risks involved, there needs to be choice.
There is no perfect solution because there is no perfect safety.
Connor Boyack puts it this way:
“Freedom isn’t about eliminating risk, it’s about the freedom to navigate it.”
If we wish to be free, we must weigh the risks and adjust our behavior to what we are willing to bear.
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There Will Always Be Risk