It is clear how fear fits into the natural order of life, but only in rare instances is it clear that love and compassion can be just as natural as fear in humans. Fear is a great tool that has aided the survival of all species; fear makes us rethink impulses, consider the cost of our actions, and be caution about danger. Without fear, we would struggle to survive the everyday dangers of life.

Nevertheless, self-worth and satisfaction depend on more than this most primal emotion; love and compassion are essential in our lives as well (and arguably just as innate as our fear). The first chapter of How Can I Help? titled “Natural Compassion” addresses the idea that the spectrum of emotions related to love (generosity, compassion, caring) are an innate part of the human condition. “It’s not something we really think about, merely the innate response of an open heart.” (5) The experience we have when we help others seems “so natural.” (7)

In many cases, fear tends to be a barrier to overcome to manifest our loving, caring nature. While fear is necessary, it can also be disruptive if not in check. As individuals, “fear and caution may be the first responses that block the spontaneous expression of our innate generosity.” (23) While the caring nature is present, it is sometimes hindered by our inability to recognize that our fears are becoming a hindrance. Perhaps in many of us, fear is our first response and a stronger emotion.

Dass states that there is a “higher Self” (40) to which we can all transcend to in order to “move beyond identification with the separated isolated ego.” (42) And by doing so, we can achieve a sort of enlightenment.

Why do we suffer? “Suffering seems to be a fact of life.” (54) There is no easy explanation other than it is the natural order of the laws of nature. There are many ways in which an individual faces suffering. In some cases, suffering in others can provoke a sort of “morbid fascination.” (55) The Germans refer to this feeling as schadenfreude, “pleasure derived by someone from another person's misfortune, (OED) and believe it to be one of the more basic forms of pleasure. This enjoyment of others misery is simply a form of fear – a reaction stemming from our own unwillingness to be in the same situation – and prevents us from helping the suffering.

Avenue Q - Schadenfreude

What can we do? Our “immediate responsibility” (87) is to help in whatever way we are able. This can be in the form of food for the hungry, a sympathetic ear for those who need someone to listen, support for the downtrodden, etc.

It is necessary to forgo the risks and overcome our fears in order to help others. It is the only way to self-fulfillment.