Frank Crane: 'Most of the things we decide are not what we know to be the best. We say yes, merely because we are driven into a corner and must say something.'

Most of the things we decide are not what we know to be the best. We say yes, merely because we are driven into a corner and must say something.

In his quote, Frank Crane delves into the inner workings of our decision-making process, shedding light on an often overlooked aspect of human behavior. Summarizing the quote in a straightforward manner, Crane suggests that many of our decisions are not necessarily based on what we know to be the best course of action. Instead, we find ourselves saying yes or making choices simply because we feel forced into a corner and must respond with something. This quote carries a profound meaning as it highlights the tendency of humans to operate under pressure, often sacrificing what we truly believe to be the optimal decision.Introducing an unexpected philosophical concept into the discussion can further enhance our understanding of Crane's quote. One such concept is the notion of existentialism, which explores the fundamental questions of existence, freedom, and responsibility. Existentialism posits that each individual is fully responsible for their own choices and actions, regardless of external circumstances or pressures. This aspect of existentialism aligns interestingly with Crane's quote, as it suggests that humans, even when cornered, still possess the freedom to make choices aligned with their true values, rather than merely succumbing to external pressures.By comparing and contrasting Crane's idea with existentialism, we can delve deeper into the complexities of decision-making. Crane's quote portrays a scenario where we compromise our integrity and make decisions out of necessity, while existentialism challenges this notion by emphasizing our individual responsibility to remain true to ourselves even under adverse circumstances. It highlights the concept of human agency, the idea that we have the power to make choices that align with our core values and beliefs, regardless of external pressures.To illustrate the contrast, let us consider a hypothetical scenario. Imagine finding ourselves in a situation where our friends invite us to a party on a night when we had planned to study for an important exam. Feeling pressured and cornered, we might say yes to the invitation even though we know deep down that it is not the best decision. According to Frank Crane's quote, this is a common occurrence as we often find ourselves necessitated to make a choice regardless of its alignment with our true desires or best interests. However, from an existentialist perspective, we possess the freedom and responsibility to prioritize our educational goals and decline the invitation, despite the pressure from our friends. Existentialism challenges us to recognize our freedom to choose and encourages us to act authentically, even when faced with difficult decisions.The significance of Crane's quote lies in its ability to reveal a common human tendency and prompt deeper reflection on our decision-making processes. It serves as a reminder that we should strive to cultivate awareness of our own values and motivations, discerning whether our decisions truly align with them or are merely responses triggered by external pressures.Ultimately, Crane's quote invites us to pause and consider the choices we tend to make when we feel cornered. Are our decisions driven by our genuine beliefs and desires, or do we succumb to convenience or the fear of disappointing others? By acknowledging the freedom and responsibility we possess as individuals, we can strive to make choices that are in line with our authentic selves, even when confronted with challenging circumstances. In doing so, we can transcend the limitation of Crane's observation and navigate our lives guided by our true values, making decisions that we know to be best.