"The greatest obstacle to being heroic is the doubt whether one may not be going to prove one's self a fool; the truest heroism is to resist the doubt; and the profoundest wisdom, to know when it ought to be resisted, and when it be obeyed"
- Nathaniel Hawthorne
About this Quote
This quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne talks to the idea that the greatest challenge to being heroic is the fear of looking foolish. It is a suggestion that real heroism is discovered in the courage to press past this doubt and to rely on one's own judgement. It likewise recommends that wisdom is found in understanding when to withstand this doubt and when to accept it. This quote motivates us to be brave and to rely on our own judgement, even when it might appear silly to others. It is a suggestion that real guts is found in the ability to press past our doubts and to take risks. It is a suggestion that wisdom is found in knowing when to take risks and when to be mindful. Eventually, this quote motivates us to be brave and to rely on our own judgement, even when it may appear absurd to others.
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