Thomas Hardy: 'The resolution to avoid an evil is seldom framed till the evil is so far advanced as to make avoidance impossible.'

The resolution to avoid an evil is seldom framed till the evil is so far advanced as to make avoidance impossible.

Thomas Hardy once said, "The resolution to avoid an evil is seldom framed till the evil is so far advanced as to make avoidance impossible." This quote succinctly captures a common human tendency to delay addressing problems until they have reached a critical stage, where the opportunity for prevention or avoidance has vanished. Its meaning is straightforward – we often fail to take action to prevent negative outcomes until they are almost upon us.This quote carries an important message about our tendency to procrastinate and our aversion to confronting uncomfortable situations. It highlights the need for proactive thinking and emphasizes the importance of addressing issues before they escalate beyond our control.However, expanding upon this idea, we can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that adds depth and interest to the article. Let's explore the idea of existentialism and how it intersects with Hardy's quote. Existentialism, a philosophical approach founded by Jean-Paul Sartre, centers around the individual's freedom and responsibility for creating their own meaning and purpose in life.Existentialists argue that individuals often avoid taking a proactive stance on their own existence. They postpone choices, ignore their freedom, and allow life to happen to them rather than engaging in active decision-making. This aligns with Hardy's assertion that we often delay addressing problems until they become insurmountable. Both Hardy's quote and existentialism shed light on our tendency to evade responsibility and postpone dealing with challenging situations until they become unavoidable.In comparing these ideas, we see that Hardy's quote emphasizes the external consequences of our inaction, while existentialism examines the internal reasons behind our avoidance. They both illustrate the need for individuals to confront problems head-on and not delay in taking action.Thomas Hardy's quote carries a valuable lesson for individuals in all aspects of life. Whether it pertains to personal relationships, professional endeavors, or global issues, the resolution to avoid an evil should be framed early on. Waiting until the evil is so far advanced makes avoidance near impossible, and the consequences can be far-reaching, both externally and internally.By combining Hardy's quote with the philosophical perspective of existentialism, we can delve deeper into the reasons behind our inertia. We must recognize that our hesitation to address problems promptly is often rooted in a fear of making difficult choices or confronting uncomfortable truths. Embracing the principles of existentialism can help us acknowledge our freedom and responsibility in shaping our own lives, enabling us to confront problems in a more proactive and timely manner.In conclusion, Thomas Hardy's quote highlights our tendency to delay action until problems become too advanced to be avoided. It serves as a reminder to address issues before they escalate, emphasizing the importance of proactive thinking and decision-making. When considered in conjunction with existentialism, we gain further insight into why we exhibit this behavior – a fear of taking responsibility for our own existence. By understanding and embracing the principles of existentialism, we can cultivate the mindset necessary to confront challenges head-on, making avoidance of evils a proactive resolution rather than a reactive response.