Here be dragons…
“Here be dragons” (hic sunt dracones in Latin) means dangerous or unexplored territories, in imitation of a medieval practice of putting illustrations of dragons, sea monsters and other mythological creatures on uncharted areas of maps where potential dangers were thought to exist.
Though only on one historical map, this famous phrase may well have served as a warning to the original users of those old maps. To us they seem to comment both on the travails of the terrain: “We don’t know what’s here!” and about the dangers of ignorance, “There might as well be dragons in this unknown spot!”)
By extension, we seem to use the phrase to indicate that which is unknown or uncertain and that seems to carry some type of risk.
So, are you in uncharted territory these days? Do you hesitate about your next step? Do you fear to share where you really are? Do you choose to play it safe, rather than possibly be sorry?
Would it help you to be aware of these other word choices?
And don’t you love the energy that comes from being excited rather than scared? From moving forward rather than staying hidden? And knowing that you can choose?
Helen Keller said “Life is a either a daring adventure or it is nothing!”
YOU CAN CHOOSE NOW!
We don’t need to let the fear of “dragons” keep us from exploring and enjoying our exploring!
LET’S CHOOSE TO GO FOR IT!
3 Comments
Great message!
Reminds me of a few years ago when some of the Dept. of Energy employees at Hanford (long accustomed to working from offices in Richland) were directed to change to locations 25 miles north of town, the “outer area.” Although thousands of people already worked there without undue fear of what might happen there, the joke went that these DOE folks were strangely fearful of having to work in what they saw as uncharted territory. Did you notice those black marks on the highway? That was their heels skidding in resistance.
I love dragons. It is too bad that in our society they are seen as something to be feared. In Chinese culture, they are seen as a symbol of energy, therefore the fire coming from the dragon’s mouth. Dragons are always represented in parades to celebrate Chinese New Year. Dragons are a good symbol!!!