Zora Neale Hurston: 'It's a funny thing, the less people have to live for, the less nerve they have to risk losing nothing.'

It's a funny thing, the less people have to live for, the less nerve they have to risk losing nothing.

Zora Neale Hurston, the prominent African-American author, once remarked, 'It's a funny thing, the less people have to live for, the less nerve they have to risk losing nothing.' At first glance, this quote seems straightforward, emphasizing how individuals who have less to lose tend to take fewer risks in life. It suggests that a lack of purpose or ambition can inhibit individuals from pushing their boundaries and stepping out of their comfort zones. However, when examining this quote through a philosophical lens, an unexpected concept arises – the notion of existentialism.Existentialism, a school of thought championed by philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche, asserts that individuals are responsible for creating meaning and purpose in their own lives. It emphasizes the importance of taking risks and embracing the uncertainty of existence. In this context, Hurston's quote takes on a deeper meaning, highlighting how individuals who lack a sense of purpose or something to live for may often find themselves lacking the courage to risk losing nothing.On one hand, the quote can be seen as a critique of those who become complacent in life. When individuals have nothing to strive for, whether it be a personal goal, a passion, or a desire for personal growth, they lose the motivation to take risks. Without a clear purpose, the fear of losing becomes insignificant, leading to a lack of nerve or courage. It is as if Hurston is suggesting that having something meaningful to live for is essential in fueling the nerve to step outside of one's comfort zone.On the other hand, the quote may also offer empathy for those who, due to various circumstances, find themselves in a state of hopelessness or resignation. It acknowledges the psychological impact that a lack of opportunities or options can have on individuals. When people have nothing to look forward to, no aspirations to pursue, and no prospects for improvement, it becomes harder for them to summon the nerve to take risks. In this interpretation, the quote becomes a commentary on the social and economic conditions that limit individuals' ability to take chances.Intriguingly, Hurston's quote resonates with both sides of the existentialist argument – it can be seen as a critique of those who lack ambition or purpose, while also empathizing with the circumstances that can lead to such apathy. It highlights the delicate balance between personal responsibility and external factors in shaping the human condition.Furthermore, this quote invites reflection on the connection between purpose and courage. It prompts us to consider whether it is purpose itself that fuels our nerve to risk losing nothing or if it is the courage to take risks that helps us find our purpose in life. Is purpose a prerequisite for courage, or is courage the gateway to discovering purpose?Ultimately, the quote by Zora Neale Hurston serves as a reminder to cultivate a sense of purpose in our lives. By acknowledging our goals, passions, and desires, we can find the internal motivation that propels us to take risks, to dare greatly, and to embrace the uncertainty of life. It pushes us to reflect on the things we have to live for, challenging us to define and pursue our purpose, even when faced with the fear of losing nothing.In conclusion, Zora Neale Hurston's quote encapsulates a thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between purpose, nerve, and risk-taking. It serves as a reminder to individuals to examine their own motives, ambitions, and desires, ultimately shaping their courage to step beyond their comfort zones. By acknowledging the quote through the lens of existentialism, we unveil the philosophical concept that underlies it – the individual responsibility of creating meaning and purpose in one's own life. In this sense, the quote becomes an invitation to reflect on our purpose and the role it plays in summoning the nerve to risk losing nothing.