"胆小的人更喜欢专制的平静胜过自由的汹涌大海"
— Thomas Jefferson
Simplified Meaning:
Some people are afraid of taking risks and dealing with the challenges that come with freedom. They would rather have a life that feels safe and predictable, even if it means they have less control over their own choices. Think of it like this: imagine two paths you can take. One is a straight, easy road that never changes, but you have to follow strict rules. The other is a winding, bumpy path full of surprises and freedom to go where you want, but it's more difficult and sometimes scary. In history, there have been times when people accepted harsh rulers because they were scared of the chaos that might come with fighting for their own independence. For instance, during certain periods in history, many people tolerated dictatorships because they feared the instability and conflict of revolution. This idea teaches us that sometimes, to truly live freely and make our own decisions, we have to be brave and face uncertainty. While it's tempting to choose the safe, controlled environment, real growth and happiness often come from taking that more difficult and unpredictable journey.