Tempting Fate

"As human beings, we have a tendency to overestimate

our own character strength while underestimating

the power of situations."

Mark Matoussek

Author Mark Matousek is teaching about the Mardi Gras Effect ... placing ourselves in situations, believing we would not alter our character or moral code in the midst of environmental changes.  He places emphasis on the degree we shift not only in appearance but in our expectations as well. 

The news readily reflects panic running rampant through streets of rebellion, and violence  triggered by murderous actions, while participants later question what came over them.  It is referred to as a crowd mentality.  Lives are surprisingly impacted by the swift movement of others.

"I would never do that," is a phrase best not repeated.  It is like tempting fate.  With chin held high and our morality secure, we believe we would never act in a certain way, not ever.  Then it happens to be in our home or to our family or in a personally unrelated scenario.  Random acts of violence then ignite fear within us causing reactions in ways we never imagined.