Why do we fear the unknown? I know it has something to do with instinct - fight or flight, but to me that doesn't answer the mail.
I went to the Walls of Jericho today - a state park in northern Alabama. What makes it unique, besides the gorge that earned it its name, are the caves that dot the hillside. I stood at the mouth of two of such caves today, and I was afraid, I can admit it. I felt it like a lump of cold lead in my stomach, and electric fingers jangled my nerves the closer I got.
For a split second there was one thought blazing in my mind: "DON'T GO IN THERE!" It was a completely irrational feeling, but I found myself rationalizing it - brown recluses, broken bones, "it's just a hole in the ground" - and that's what astounded me. Perhaps some of you would call it the voice of reason or my logical side, but I was there, and I can tell you there was no danger. Nothing lurked within the darkness, I think I'd notice a dripping, oozing and slavering cthulhu-like horror. Luckily, my inner Wandering Man spoke up.
When was I going to experience something like this again? And so I went. I'm extremely glad I did.
I feel fear is there to serve as a warning, a first line of defense. However, don't let it rule you - you could miss out on something amazing. Just recognize it is time to be more careful.
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