Essay 1: Are Our Fears Bigger Than Us?
What I’m talking about is fear. Yes, you heard me right. I know thousands of books have been written about it. But I’m not here to offer a prescription. I just want to understand it, and I’ll be thinking out loud while I do. So, let’s begin.
I think we tend to see ourselves as grander than we really are—in every sense.
Living, trying to live—it's almost like an endless cycle of experiences, repetitions, trials, and errors. Just as there are elements that support us in this process, there are also those that neutralize us, sometimes causing us to miss out on life, sometimes draining our energy, and sometimes limiting our ability to move. Some of these fears are rooted in the past, some in the present, and some in the future.
What I’m talking about is fear. Yes, you heard me right. I know thousands of books have been written about it. But I’m not here to offer a prescription. I just want to understand it, and I’ll be thinking out loud while I do. So, let’s begin.
What I’m talking about is fear. Yes, you heard me right. I know thousands of books have been written about it. But I’m not here to offer a prescription. I just want to understand it, and I’ll be thinking out loud while I do. So, let’s begin.
I think we tend to see ourselves as grander than we really are—in every sense. Emotionally, metaphysically, physically. And yet, we could lose everything in an instant. In the end, what remains is—well, whatever you believe comes after. Ultimately, an end. There is no belief system that denies this.
Now, let’s talk about nothingness. Of course, we cannot truly understand it. But then again, it doesn’t seem possible to experience it either. If that’s the case, isn’t it strange how and why we fear? Yes, I know fear has an evolutionary function; it’s a safeguard, a mechanism for survival. But I’m talking about something different.
Social media, our competitors, those we think we’ve beaten, those who have beaten us. Our past, our experiences, the things we are too afraid to speak of, even to ourselves. Our future, our anxieties. The urge to make money, the desire to surpass others, the hunger to win. And so much more. We can all agree the list is endless.
But what about us? Are we really big enough for all of this? Or are we too small to be so afraid of it? Or… are these things truly so enormous that they have the power to frighten us?
I wish I had a conclusion, an answer to offer. But I don’t. I simply don’t have that authority.
Does anyone?
Note: This text was originally written in Turkish and later translated into English. I aimed to preserve its essence and philosophical depth throughout the translation.
These photos were taken by me last week in London. A huge thanks once again to my dear friend for these amazing shots!
Now, let’s talk about nothingness. Of course, we cannot truly understand it. But then again, it doesn’t seem possible to experience it either. If that’s the case, isn’t it strange how and why we fear? Yes, I know fear has an evolutionary function; it’s a safeguard, a mechanism for survival. But I’m talking about something different.
Social media, our competitors, those we think we’ve beaten, those who have beaten us. Our past, our experiences, the things we are too afraid to speak of, even to ourselves. Our future, our anxieties. The urge to make money, the desire to surpass others, the hunger to win. And so much more. We can all agree the list is endless.
But what about us? Are we really big enough for all of this? Or are we too small to be so afraid of it? Or… are these things truly so enormous that they have the power to frighten us?
I wish I had a conclusion, an answer to offer. But I don’t. I simply don’t have that authority.
Does anyone?
Note: This text was originally written in Turkish and later translated into English. I aimed to preserve its essence and philosophical depth throughout the translation.
These photos were taken by me last week in London. A huge thanks once again to my dear friend for these amazing shots!
