by Dan Williams

Created on: January 02, 2010   Last Updated: January 04, 2010

Why would one want to live without regrets? If one does live without regrets they are either in strong denial of their life path, or not willing to look in the mirror. Regrets open the door to new paths, new behavior, and a promise of brighter days. Regrets build character, open our eyes to personal growth, and allow us to see the world and people differently. All of us have experienced life trauma, and if you have not you soon will. As humans we lose friends and family to death, we encounter illness, and make wrong decisions; that, my dear reader is called life experience which moves us human beings into a positive framework. 

Of course one can attempt to live without regrets, however that will most likely be portrayed as a shallow existence, with one stuck in an old paradigm of unhealthy behavior. When we look back on great historians, philosophers, and theologians we learn of their own regrets and their path to either resolve, or at least look back on these regrets with positive insight into the future. How does one move into a new relationship when getting out of an abusive marriage if one does not look back on their regrets? How does a teenager with bad peer influence move in a direction of health, and passion for the future without recognizing her regrets? Regrets are the fuel for change, the muse for improvement and to not recognize them stagnates one's personal growth.

Of course it is possible to live without regrets; however that would be a state of denial. By presenting to others, "I have no regrets," immediately gives off an aura of narcissism and arrogance. Even when one has no intentions of doing so, the presentation is embellished and short-sighted. As Nietzsche states, “that which does not kill me, makes me stronger." His statement recognizes life experience and regrets. The implication is that life trauma, experiences makes one stronger to deal with future events.  

One of the major shortcomings of our political history is the lack of recognition of regrets and the implementation of change. Yes, we acknowledge the regrets of slavery, the attempts at converting the Native American to Christianity and the genocide we implemented. Regrets need to be voiced, and change needs to be implemented. Regrets are not just that of an individual but of a family, a group, a culture and a country.  Live without regrets? Yes, it is possible I suppose, however, the world would be a very boring mundane place for our existence.

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