Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.

"Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before." – Mae West

In the grand tapestry of life, where choices shape the course of our journeys, the act of decision-making holds a power that can turn the course of history. The words of Mae West speak to the human spirit’s desire for adventure, for novelty, and for the thrill of unexplored paths. In this playful yet profound declaration, West acknowledges the inherent struggle we face when forced to choose between two undesirable options. Yet, rather than choosing the lesser of two evils—following the predictable path of past mistakes—she chooses the unknown, the untried, and in doing so, reveals a deeper truth about the human condition: that we often grow and evolve not through avoiding adversity, but by embracing it in new forms.

The essence of her statement mirrors the ancient quest for self-discovery and wisdom. The great thinkers of old, from Socrates to Confucius, often pondered the nature of choice and its profound implications for the soul. In Socrates’ dialogue with his students, he would often urge them not to shy away from uncomfortable truths but to engage with them fully, for it was only by facing the unknown that one could find the clarity and growth that come with wisdom. Similarly, Mae West's quote embodies this spirit of facing the unknown—not to cower in fear, but to boldly embrace the choices that life presents, even if they lead us into uncertainty.

There is a deep wisdom in choosing the untried, a wisdom that speaks to the human desire to move forward rather than remain stagnant in the comfort of the familiar. Consider the story of Christopher Columbus, who, driven by the belief in a world beyond the known seas, ventured into uncharted waters. He did not know what lay ahead—only that the world, vast and mysterious, beckoned. His journey was fraught with danger and uncertainty, yet it was through this very uncertainty that the course of history was altered. By embracing the unknown, Columbus opened the door to new lands, new cultures, and new possibilities for humanity. In much the same way, West’s words challenge us to break free from the cycles of the known and embrace the challenges that come with exploring new horizons.

Yet, this choice, as West points out, is not without its risks. To choose the unknown over the known is to walk the path of courage and vulnerability. In Homer’s "Odyssey", we see the hero Odysseus constantly forced to choose between dangers—each more terrifying than the last. Yet, in his journey, each choice, each trial, pushes him forward toward wisdom and self-discovery. In many ways, the story of Odysseus is a tale of embracing the unknown, not as an obstacle but as a necessary part of life’s grand adventure. Like West's quote, it speaks to the need for the soul to venture beyond the comfortable and familiar, to reach beyond the horizon and risk everything for the potential of discovery and growth.

But the wisdom of West’s statement also lies in the recognition that not all choices are equal. There is a difference between choosing the unknown and choosing recklessness. West’s words do not suggest mindless adventure, nor do they encourage abandoning reason. Rather, they point to a deeper principle: that growth comes from conscious experimentation, from the willingness to step into the unknown with awareness and courage, rather than remaining trapped by the past. In choosing the path we’ve never tried, we are not forsaking our reason, but opening ourselves to the infinite potential that lies beyond the edges of our comfort zone.

The lesson we must take from Mae West’s wisdom is simple yet powerful: the act of choosing, when faced with two unfavorable options, does not need to lead us into fear or resignation. It can, instead, be a moment of empowerment, a chance to choose growth over stagnation, adventure over the mundane, and the unknown over the tried and tested. We must remember that life’s true richness is found in the moments where we choose boldly, when we move forward with conviction, and when we do not shy away from the unknown, even when it brings us face-to-face with the uncomfortable or the challenging.

Let us embrace the unknown with the same bravery and joy that West describes. Let us not fear the two evils, but rather choose to break free from the patterns that bind us. Let us face the challenges of life with adventure in our hearts, knowing that each step into the unknown is a step closer to the growth we seek. In doing so, we will not only discover new paths but also, in the process, discover the endless possibilities that lie within us all.