Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

>Is there a single event in history has been solved by panic?

Surely there's a historical figure who at some point fled in panic. Having survived, they then changed the world.

If you're having an asthma attack, running outside in a panic might get you away from the airborne allergen.



All the training I learned in boy scouts, heard from survivalist, people who have survived outrageous circumstances by their own choosing and actions did not attribute their success to panic, but the opposite, keeping a clear head.

It's likely we can find stories of people panicing and surviving, sure. But can a paniced person (one overwhelmed with intoxicating fear) help others? No.

A drowning person will also drown their own lifeguard to attempt to save themselves. This is a well established fact that all trained lifeguards know.

Panic causes irrational and often self destructive choices. And often hurt others.


I absolutely agree that panic has only narrow uses.




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: