The phrase “being afraid” is used to describe the unknown and is associated with midlife crises, drug use, and existentialism. It can be a useful emotion in propelling someone towards new goals and ambitions. Overcoming fear is necessary to pursue dreams and ambitions in life.
“To be afraid” is a phrase that has entered the English language and means exactly what it says. The definition can be applied to numerous situations. It has been used both humorously and seriously to describe the situations people face when they are going through a crisis.
People facing a midlife crisis and wishing to quit their jobs have suddenly been struck with “being afraid”. The term is used to describe the unknown; what will happen if they don’t have a job to go to. They will still have responsibilities to meet and bills to pay. It is these factors that give people “fear”. The “fear” is the unknown of what will happen if they give up their day job.
The phrase was thought to have originated from the novel by Hunter S. Thompson. Published in 1973, his novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a satirical, drug-fueled dissection of the American Dream. The novel brought Thompson to public attention, and he is forever identified with the phrase “fear and loathing.”
“Being afraid” has also often been associated with an emotion experienced during drug use. It is also a state of mind sometimes associated with existentialism. It is connected with a sudden realization that there is no purpose to life. For some, this can be overwhelming. However, it is also thought that “being afraid” is the mind’s way of saying it needs more from life. It is also thought to be a useful emotion in propelling someone towards new goals and ambitions.
The saying was used in an episode of the US television series Friends. Jennifer Anniston’s character Rachel wanted to leave her dead-end job to pursue her dream career. But she was always procrastinating on this because she was “not afraid.” Only by giving up work and leaving yourself without means of income would she have the drive needed to pursue her ideal job.
“Having fear” is an excellent description of the state of mind many people go through when attempting a risky venture. But overcoming the fear and taking a chance on something, whether it’s a dream job or a new relationship, is all part of the fun. Many people are stuck in dead-end jobs and want to take risks in life, but fear holds them back. It is only by facing and overcoming fear that many people realize their desires and ambitions in life.
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