What is the opposite of fear? It's not a simple question. The first word that comes to mind is courage. But courage is not the absence of fear, like darkness is the absence of light. Rather, courage is the spirit that moves people forward in the face of fear. It's a beam of light that pierces the infinite darkness. The voice of fear is still present, but it is overwhelmed by the adrenaline of action.
I think the opposite of fear is ignorance.
We're genetically programmed to fear. As infants, we fear being left alone. We fear scowling faces and growling dogs. But as we grow (and feeling more secure), we approach the world as fearless experimenters, blissfully ignorant to the threats that come with living a curious, passionate life. Over time, through bumps and bruises and well-intentioned counsel, we learn. We adapt.
Fear is important when it causes us to adapt our behaviors in a beneficial manner. Fear of injury makes us prepare more diligently and intelligently for combat and sport; fear of social reproach makes us work to perfect a speech or stage performance; fear of contracting an infectious disease causes us to take necessary precautions, etc. Fear is trying to protect us. Fear is our friend. Fear is a critical component of an aware, developed mind.
"Am I afraid of high notes? Of course I am afraid. What sane man is not?" - Luciano Pavarotti
Here' the rub: Fear has no perspective. Fear can’t differentiate between missing a high note and missing a heartbeat, between losing one's income and losing one’s life. Fear doesn’t care about others. Fear isn’t concerned with right or wrong, good or bad. Fear could care less whether we live an exciting and meaningful life.
Some fears are reasonable. Some are not. In today's highly sanitized, civilized world, most are not. Yes, be aware of fear. Listen to fear. Thank fear for its concern. And then live life from a place of compassion and daring. Transcend the voice in your head, the one that wants you to stay safe and sound, to hold on tight to what you've got, and venture the adventure.
The result of letting fear run your show is called life. To be bold and daring, to be driven by passion and meaning, that's called living. Live! And start today. Because as Larry McMurtry made clear, "If you wait, all that happens is that you get older."
Posted July 31, 2010
Email this post
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d8341c684b53ef013485df5e22970c
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference The opposite of fear:
The comments to this entry are closed.
(Rest assured, we will never provide your email address to anyone. Period.)
RSS feed
Tom on Twitter
@tomasacker
Tom is timely, thought provoking and all about the new brand vision packaged as a Seinfeld stand up. I went to school on his ideas.
Jeff Taylor, Founder, Monster.com and CEO, Eons.
When Tom Asacker writes, I read. Opportunity Screams is the right message for the right time.
Tom Peters
FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real (I wrote a bit on that at http://wp.me/pVUDj-6H ). Real "fear" does exist, and has a range from nil to infinity.
Perhaps the true opposite of real "fear" is "trust" when it is really deserved?
Posted by: Randy Bosch | July 31, 2010 at 04:10 PM
When I watch my young daughters interact with the world I think the opposite of fear is innocence.
Posted by: working girl | July 31, 2010 at 04:19 PM
Thanks Randy. Great post.
And I agree with you working girl. It is innocence at that age, and hopefully they'll learn and adjust in a healthy, life affirming way.
Posted by: Tom Asacker | August 02, 2010 at 11:28 AM
“Ignorance” is a great definition as it accounts for both innocence and arrogance.
Great post!
Mark Gallagher
Brand Expressionist®
Blackcoffee®
Posted by: Mark Gallagher | August 02, 2010 at 11:46 AM
Tom, in one sense, our hopes and dreams are the opposite of our fears.
Fear is a gatekeeper that prevents us from taking risks. But realizing our hopes and dreams depends on taking all kinds of risks, on a constant basis. Only by slaying the fears can we get to the place that makes our hopes and dreams possible.
For me, this is what the art of branding is all about. Acknowledge and address your customer's fears, and you'll win their loyalty by helping them realize their dreams.
Best,
Jon
Posted by: Jon P | August 05, 2010 at 01:46 PM
For me, the opposite of fear is joy.
Posted by: Ralf Tometschek | August 24, 2010 at 06:09 PM
In many cases, it's the same for me Ralf. Perhaps that's why it's said that ignorance is bliss.
Posted by: Tom Asacker | August 24, 2010 at 06:15 PM