Fear of Loss

When I was in college I took a course on persuasion and one of the facts I have held onto is this: People are four times more likely to do something to avoid pain than to gain pleasure. If you think about it, the statement is true. I don’t pay my bills every month because it makes me feel so good. I do it so I don’t have late fees or get harassing phone calls at my home. My annual flu shot is not something that brings me joy. Of course there are things I do to gain pleasure. When you think about it, though, the heart of what motivates people to do things is fear. Even in dating, there is certainly a desire for pleasure but there is also the fear of being alone. Fear and fear of loss in particular is a powerful motivator. That brings me to my point. Why do people love to gamble? I am not talking about buying a lottery ticket when the jackpot reaches some record number or the ones who set $20 aside to “entertain” themselves at slots. I’m talking about people who lose their life’s savings and more in casinos and betting. For me, the fear of loss over my money more than compensates for that desire for gain. I work hard for my money and cannot stand to lose it for a thrill. Have you ever torn your room apart looking for some money you know you had on a table or in some jeans? Then multiply that amount. Gambling simply makes no sense to me. Every game in a casino has the odds in favor of the house. Still people ignore the fear of loss and gamble away even though they know they are likely to lose their money. And when they occasionally win, what do they usually turn around and do? They bet it again. Then the house wins back what you have just won. Few people walk out of the casinos on top in the money department. For these people the only thing I can figure is that their desire for gain somehow overwhelms their fear of loss. Somehow that fear is not as strong in them. Perhaps their losses have not adversely affected their quality of life. Perhaps the thrill of possibly winning is intoxicating and blocks out all other thought. Whatever the reason, I believe the fear of loss catches up with these people eventually and they feel a crash. When there are no more chips and the bank account is dry, it has to hit home. I have seen lives ruined by gambling and it is a shame. This is not a blog to degrade anyone who gambles. I just don’t see the great thrill it provides. Heck, I’m still looking for the money I lost in my room!