I'm Attracted To Things That Scare Me,

The Meaning

Janelle Monáe's assertion, "i'm attracted to things that scare me, like 'psycho,' my favorite hitchcock movie," encapsulates a profound philosophical stance on growth, creativity, and the human engagement with the unknown. At its core, the quote reveals an inherent drive to transcend comfort zones, perceiving fear not as a deterrent but as an indicator of significant potential or transformative experience. The attraction to the "scary" is not merely a morbid fascination but an intellectual and emotional curiosity, a recognition that profound insights, artistic breakthroughs, or personal evolution often lie beyond the familiar and the secure. To be drawn to what frightens one is to acknowledge the value of challenge, the allure of psychological depth, and the necessity of confronting shadows—both external and internal—to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of self and world. It speaks to a courageous spirit that actively seeks out the edges of experience, believing that true vitality and innovation reside in the very spaces designed to provoke apprehension.

Historical Context

This quote likely originates from interviews or reflections during Janelle Monáe's career, particularly as she evolved from the intricately constructed Afrofuturist narratives of albums like "The ArchAndroid" (2010) and "The Electric Lady" (2013) to the more overtly personal and liberation-themed "Dirty Computer" (2018). Monáe, a multifaceted artist, singer, songwriter, actress, and activist, has consistently challenged societal norms, explored themes of identity, race, sexuality, and technology, and pushed artistic boundaries. Her choice of Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" (1960) as an exemplar is highly significant. "Psycho" was revolutionary for its time, breaking cinematic conventions, exploring deep psychological horror, and presenting a startlingly ambiguous morality that profoundly disturbed audiences. Monáe's attraction to such a film reflects her own artistic philosophy: a commitment to innovation, a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, and a desire to dismantle expectations, much like "Psycho" deconstructed narrative tropes and audience expectations. At the time this quote might have been uttered, Monáe was likely navigating the pressures of fame while striving to maintain artistic integrity and pushing her own creative and personal boundaries, making the exploration of challenging, even "scary," themes a natural extension of her life and work.

Modern Application

The wisdom embedded in Monáe's quote holds immense practical application in modern life, leadership, and business. In personal life, it encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones, confront fears (be it public speaking, pursuing a new career path, or embracing vulnerability), and recognize that growth often lies precisely where discomfort resides. For leaders, this philosophy is vital. Effective leadership in an era of rapid change demands an attraction to things that "scare" the organization: disruptive technologies, evolving market demands, uncomfortable truths about internal culture, or complex global challenges. Leaders who embody this principle are innovators, not afraid to question the status quo, embrace risk, and steer their teams into uncharted territories. In business, this translates to a proactive approach to disruption. Companies that are "attracted to things that scare them" are those that invest in emerging technologies, challenge existing business models, pivot strategically, and view potential threats as opportunities for innovation. Rather than resisting change or avoiding difficult decisions, this perspective fosters a culture of courage, resilience, and continuous evolution, positioning individuals and organizations alike to thrive in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world.