David Ben-Gurion: 'Courage is a special kind of knowledge: the knowledge of how to fear what ought to be feared and how not to fear what ought not to be feared.'

Courage is a special kind of knowledge: the knowledge of how to fear what ought to be feared and how not to fear what ought not to be feared.

Summary:David Ben-Gurion once said, "Courage is a special kind of knowledge: the knowledge of how to fear what ought to be feared and how not to fear what ought not to be feared." This quote can be comprehended as understanding the significance of distinguishing between rational fears and irrational fears, and having the courage to face the former while letting go of the latter. It emphasizes the idea that courage is not about being fearless in all situations, but rather about having the ability to discern what truly deserves our fear and what does not. This perspective highlights the importance of exercising judgment and rationality in the face of fear.Introduction:While Ben-Gurion's quote offers valuable insight into the nature of courage, exploring an unexpected philosophical concept allows us to delve deeper into the complexities of fear and courage. By incorporating the philosophy of Stoicism, a school of thought aimed at achieving tranquility and serenity through the understanding and acceptance of the natural world, we can further contextualize the quote and bring an intriguing perspective to the discussion.Stoicism and Courage:In Stoic philosophy, courage (or fortitude) is considered one of the four cardinal virtues, alongside wisdom, justice, and temperance. Stoics believed that true courage encompasses more than just physical bravery; it involves a steadfast willingness to face life's challenges with a calm and rational mindset. According to Stoic teachings, fear, in its essence, is a result of irrational judgments and attachments to external factors beyond our control. Therefore, true courage lies in recognizing the distinction between rational and irrational fears, similar to what Ben-Gurion alluded to in his quote.Contrasting Perspectives:While Ben-Gurion's quote suggests that courage lies in understanding what is worthy of fear and what is not, Stoicism takes a further step by encouraging individuals to detach themselves from external circumstances altogether. This detachment enables Stoics to cultivate a mindset that allows them to face any situation, regardless of its external impact, with a steadfast determination to act virtuously. Stoics argue that the only things within our control are our thoughts, actions, and judgments; thus, it is futile to fear or be controlled by anything else.The Relevance of Courage:Courage, as both Ben-Gurion and Stoicism propose, holds immense significance in our lives. It is an essential quality that empowers us to overcome obstacles, face adversity, and pursue personal growth. It is through understanding the rationality of our fears that we can harness courage and make informed decisions that align with our values and aspirations. Without the ability to differentiate between justified fears and baseless anxieties, we risk being held back by irrational trepidations that hinder our progress and potential.Conclusion:David Ben-Gurion's quote emphasizes the importance of discerning rational fears from irrational ones and having the courage to confront the former while disregarding the latter. Stoicism, a philosophical school of thought, presents a complementary perspective by encouraging individuals to detach themselves from the external factors that fuel fear. Both perspectives highlight the significance of courage as a facilitator of personal growth and resilience. By merging these concepts, we can develop a more profound understanding of courage and fear, ultimately enabling us to lead lives guided by rational judgment, tranquility, and the bravery to face life's challenges head-on.