The story of the Garden of Eden teaches us that ignorance is the principal obstacle to freedom, and that freedom is a principal obstacle to security. As long as they played by God's rules, Adam and Eve could enjoy the fullness of their reliable and predictable little world. But as soon as they stepped outside those tight boundaries, their "fall from grace" was inevitable, and they were on their own.

Hence the fundamental dilemma that has affected humanity since its inception, between peace and freedom. Both have their merits, but history tells us that it is very difficult to enjoy both together. With greater stability comes less freedom, and with greater freedom, less stability. Countless political philosophers have wrestled with the proper balance, if possible, between security in a society and freedom for its citizens; the good of the individual versus the good of the whole; the public versus the private.

For thousands of years, human civilization oscillated between too much freedom and too much authoritarianism. Modern developed societies, having achieved the best balance thus far, continue to debate the proper balance between security and freedom in economic, cultural and political affairs.

Adam and Eve's decision, however temporary, to rely not on God for guidance, but on themselves, represents a human tendency toward critical thinking, as well as risk-taking and the deep desire for growth and exploration. In spite of the need for security and predictability, we will always have this spirit of independence and experimentation.

Human potential cannot be restrained without changing what it means to be human, as the pre-fall "proto-human" Adam and Eve demonstrate.

Change and growth is essential to the human condition. In the absence of risk-taking, challenges and the quest for fulfillment, humans become weak, soft and spiritless. Lack of adequate stimulation has severely negative health effects, both physically and mentally. Studies have indicated that people who retire early often die sooner than those who continue to work or otherwise engage in productive activity.