Re: Political idiot speaks out....me?
Hi,<br /><br />I think many of us have a different understanding or experience of fear. Until we have the same baseline to measure fear against this is a difficult thread to debate. I don't know if one could ever get to the same baseline.<br /><br />Some are debilitated by fear.<br />Some use the word fear rather glibly i.e I fear the worst will come over me.<br />Some overcome fear (bravery as other posts mention).<br />Some are simply scared thinking they fear.<br /><br />Tylerin you said "You can't be brave if you have fear and you can't be free if you have fear." Consider the contents of a book I read some time ago.<br /><br />This book detailed the encounters of recipients of medals for military bravery. Men who had saved lives, run into heavy hostile fire to rescue people etc. In each case when the recipient was interviewed they all shared that they were scared witless but that they felt compelled to perform the act they did. Some even spoiled their clothes in the process so scared were they. They had great fear which was controlled enough to perform feats of great bravery. Countries freedom's have been won by those having fear. In light of this I would have to disagree with your statement.<br /><br />Total lack of fear leads to foolishness as people will undertake things that are both dangerous for them and for others. Total lack of fear causes people not to consider the long term effects of their bravado.<br /><br />I think at times the media has overdramatised the fearless "HERO" which in turn has formulated our perceptions. These perceptions turn into expectations that are unfounded and inaccurate. For example, take the movie soldier that we have been bombarded with for decades, totally fearless, fully in control, firing from the hip, fully exposed to enemy fire, latest designer camoflauge, mercilessly mowing down the enemy apparently immune to bullets etc.<br /><br />In theory, there is no difference in theory and practice. In practice, however, there is. My war experience was substantially different to this and any other on this board will testify the same. Accordingly I have fallen short of the "glory" but would never describe myself as being "motivated" by fear.<br /><br />I heard someone once say, in a religous context, that "fear was the opposite of faith". Is this the fear you speak of Tylerin? The fear of not doing the "right thing" rather than some form of bravery whilst face to face with the enemy. The fear of not upholding morality and righteousness?<br /><br />In order to fear there must be something that one is fearful of. When we know the fear we can deal with it.<br /><br />Or....have I missed the point?<br /><br />Cheers<br />Andrew
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