"Something like trying to protect yourself all the time, things like trying to outwit fate. Those things can be the worst thing you can do for yourself"

In this quote, John Frusciante is highlighting the threats of continuously attempting to protect oneself and outmaneuver fate. He suggests that these actions can in fact be damaging and harmful to one's well-being. By continuously trying to shield ourselves from prospective harm and manage our destiny, we may be restricting our development and experiences. Frusciante is cautioning versus the fear-based state of mind that drives us to continuously protect ourselves, and instead motivates us to accept the unidentified and trust in the journey of life. Eventually, he believes that trying to control everything can be detrimental and avoid us from really living and finding out.