"How much pain they have cost us, the evils which have never happened"

This quote by Thomas Jefferson talks to the power of fear and concern. He is suggesting that the pain and suffering we experience in life is often brought on by the things we fear that never actually come to pass. He is stating that the things we worry about, the evils that never ever happen, can trigger us more pain than the actual events themselves. This is a reminder to be conscious of our ideas and to not let fear and worry take over our lives. We must concentrate on today minute and not let our minds wander to the future and the things that might never ever take place. By doing this, we can reduce the quantity of discomfort and suffering we experience in life.