"میان دو شر، من همیشه یکی را انتخاب می‌کنم که قبلاً امتحان نکرده‌ام."

This quote, at its core, is about choosing the lesser-known path, even when both options seem undesirable. It’s about the curiosity and bravery to embrace the unfamiliar, instead of sticking to what you already know, even if neither choice feels particularly good.

Let's rewind to the time when this quote was popularized. It was Mae West, a Hollywood icon from the early 20th century, known for her sharp wit and often provocative humor, who brought this saying into the limelight. She had a knack for turning phrases that were both cheeky and thought-provoking. In an era where societal norms were quite rigid, Mae West's approach to life and her choices were a rebellious stand against the conventional, urging people to step out of their comfort zones and try something different, even if it was not traditionally acceptable.

Imagine you're at a crossroads in your career. You have two job offers: one from a company that's stable but where you know the work will be dull and uninspiring (you've been in a similar role before), and another from a startup that’s chaotic and unpredictable, but you’ve never worked in a startup environment. What do you do? Picking the startup, the "evil" you haven’t tried before, might be terrifying—uncertain hours, less job security, but it could also bring unexpected growth and excitement, something new to learn and experience.

To apply this wisdom, start by assessing your options honestly. Whenever faced with a situation where all choices seem suboptimal, ask yourself: which path have I not ventured down yet? Which option could potentially offer new insights, skills, or experiences? It’s about balancing the fear of the unknown with the potential for growth. And sometimes, just sometimes, the unknown path will surprise you in ways you can’t even imagine.

Here's a story to bring it all home: Picture a high school student named Alex. Alex has always been shy and has consistently avoided public speaking. Now, Alex has to choose between two classes to fulfill a requirement: a debate class or an advanced math class. Alex hates public speaking, but has also never tried a structured debate before. Advanced math, on the other hand, is something Alex has struggled through and survived in previous years. Following Mae West’s philosophy, Alex decides to enroll in the debate class, even though it feels terrifying. Surprisingly, through the debates, Alex discovers a hidden talent and passion for argumentation and rhetoric, something that would’ve remained undiscovered if they had stayed within their comfort zone of math classes.

So, the next time you’re caught between a rock and a hard place, think about Mae West. Think about the new roads to be explored, the new experiences to be had. It’s not just about what’s the lesser evil—it’s about which path holds the potential to change you, challenge you, and maybe, just maybe, bring something unexpectedly positive into your life.

So go on, pick that unknown evil. You never know where it might lead.