Being a tiny minnow testing your wits against the mighty ocean is far preferable to being a big fish claiming dominion over a tiny pond. One takes a large measure of courage; the other–a pronounced absence of same. Obviously one’s comfort level holds at a steady equilibrium when you settle into constantly familiar surroundings, but that lazy condition also defines the word “stagnation”. Limited or no personal development is the obvious outgrowth of a sheltered, static existence. Just as a stagnant backwater breeds all varieties of pestilence, a stagnant, never-changing existence breeds ignorance, bigotry, and closemindedness. The only way to truly challenge oneself is to put your head right on the chopping block and pursuantly not flinch even one iota when the dreaded ax begins to fall.
Fred's Soapbox 