What Is Necessary Is Never Unwise

David Fisher
May 6
3 min read

The idea of what is necessary is never unwise encourages us to rethink how we view necessity in our lives. It reminds us that what we need to do is not foolish, even in the face of difficult challenges.

What is Necessity?

Necessity is the state of something or someone being essential or required. In decision making, necessity drives us to take action to solve urgent problems or fulfill critical needs. This is evident in personal scenarios, like putting food on the table for our families, and professional landscapes, such as meeting crucial project deadlines.

A wise saying often attributed to Plato states, Necessity is the mother of invention. This suggests that constraints often lead to creative solutions.

For example, during the Covid pandemic, many businesses adapted to remote work setups out of necessity, leading to innovations in communication and collaboration tools.

By recognizing what is truly essential, we find opportunities in unexpected places, enhancing our effectiveness and adaptability.

Necessity and Wisdom

Necessity and wisdom work together.

Necessity calls for immediate action and wisdom guides our choices, ensuring that we consider the consequences of our actions. When we act out of necessity, without wisdom, we walk a tightrope between hasty decisions and thoughtful considerations.

Consider a company facing a significant financial crisis. It may have to make tough choices, such as restructuring.

For example, in 2020, many companies faced layoffs to stay afloat, even as they strained employee relations. These decisions, though painful, may have been wise for the overall future of the organization.

Understanding the difference between what is necessary and what is easy allows us to face difficult choices head-on.

Difficult Choices

Making tough decisions requires a mindset focused on the greater good. It involves weighing short-term pain against long-term benefits.

Think about a tech company that needs to overhaul its software in response to industry changes. Initially, training staff on new systems might be frustrating, but failing to adapt would jeopardize the company's future. In this case, embracing necessity means fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.

On a personal level, people often confront their choices driven by necessity, for example, continuing their education to advance in their careers. While the idea of change may seem scary, recognizing these moments as necessary transitions encourages our growth rather than our fear.

The Role of Perspective

Perspective plays a crucial role in how we understand necessity and wisdom. By adjusting our point of view we turn challenges into opportunities. Seeing obstacles as necessary steps toward our goals is how we achieve success.

For example, a new startup in a competitive market faces the necessity of differentiating itself. This pressure leads the company to innovate in ways that larger companies may not be able to. A startup that specialized in eco-friendly packaging not only met its need for visibility, but also tapped into a growing consumer preference for sustainable products, which led to long-term customer loyalty and satisfaction.

By grasping the idea that what is necessary is not unwise, we equip ourselves to tackle modern challenges with rationality and confidence.

Action Informed by Wisdom

Understanding that necessity might be the foundation of wise decisions gives us confidence to move forward with purpose.

When businesses recognize necessity, they act intentionally.

For instance, before launching a new product, a company might conduct market research to understand consumer needs. Taking this approach helps minimize risks, ensuring that decisions are well-informed and strategic.

For people like you and I, feeling the need to change our lifestyle, like adopting healthier eating habits, requires balancing initial discomfort with long-term benefits. Here, wisdom involves committing to necessary actions and viewing challenges as building blocks rather than hurdles.

Embracing Necessity as Wisdom

The idea that what is necessary is never unwise challenges us to rethink decision-making. By seeing necessity as a motivator for action, we navigate life's perplexities with better clarity.

Necessity is the compass pointing towards wise choices.

This perspective enriches our life experiences. It promotes resilience, sparks innovation, and accelerates growth in every aspect of our lives.

Grounding ourselves in this philosophy uncovers roads to success and fulfillment we never imagined possible.

-------------------------