To laugh is to risk appearing a fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach out for another is to risk involvement.

To expose feelings is to risk rejection.

To place your dreams before the crowd is to risk ridicule.

To love is to risk not being loved in return.

To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure.

However, risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing, has nothing, is nothing.

We may avoid suffering and sorrow, but we cannot learn, feel, change, grow or love.

Chained by our certitudes, we are slaves. 

We have forfeited freedom.

Only the person who takes a risk is free.