“Security is mostly a superstition. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” — Helen Keller
“The dangers of life are infinite, and among them is safety.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Many people do take comfort in rituals, and initially it might seem that experimental activities would not be as beneficial. But being experimental provides a unique value that becomes increasingly compelling. Once we become accustomed to experimental activities and the surprising results they produce, we will naturally desire more.
Like a repetitive piece of music without development or variation, comforting but repetitive experiences start to feel boring when compared with experiences that are experimental and dynamic. Our appetite for novelty often outweighs our desire for comfort. Frequently it is the lure of a fun or thrilling experience that will motivate people in a bar to get up off their seats to go sing Karaoke, or dance.
In a community that supports an experimental mindset, eventually it will be the more stimulating experiences to which we are likely to habituate. Although experimental experiences do require us to take risks, the feeling of risk can be significantly reduced with the support of a community. Consider how risk can be supported among a group of musicians. When an unexperienced musician improvises in front of an audience it can be intimidating. But the support of fellow band members and the audience encourages them to take greater risks. Like a tight backup band, the support given by Naturalistic Humanist communities will make the experimental process feel increasingly safe, satisfying, and natural.
Numerous indicators throughout mainstream culture suggest that many people are eager to observe and participate in social experimentation. Each year thousands of people worldwide have participated in zany, quirky happenings like the Annual No Pants Subway Ride, or International Pillow Fight Day. The popularity of reality TV shows as well as the “prank” genre of TV programs such as Punk’d, Jack Ass, and the Netflix production of Bad Trip are also manifestations of people desiring to watch a social experiment.
It seems likely that the desire for reality TV, prank TV and movies, along with widespread participation in funny and unusual activities all reflect people wanting to witness and participate in experimentation.
The desire for social experimentation can be particularly beneficial when, as we find ourselves today, people on both sides of the political spectrum feel disenfranchised and aggrieved, fearful and suspicious of others, including other races, nationalities, political groups, and sexual orientations. These fears can be effectively addressed with a willingness to experiment. Experimental activities can help us learn about and understand the ways we are different as well as the many ways that we are the same.