The Dilemma
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The Dilemma is a well known[citation needed] inspirational poem by an unknown author.
To laugh is to risk appearing a fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk rejection.
To place your dreams before the crowd is to risk ridicule.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or love.
Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave.
He has forfeited his freedom.
Only a person who takes risks is free.
- Author Unknown
[edit] Sightings
This poem was cited in:
- Women and Aging: Celebrating Ourselves by Ruth Raymond Thone, ISBN 1560241519, published 1992, page 112 (found on Google Books)
- Illustrations Unlimited by James S. Hewitt, ISBN 0842315691, published 1988, page 129 (found on Gogogle Books)