Courage Quote by Rollo May
““Only when we have seen and foreseen what we dread shall we be rewarded by that dazzling, unforeseen wing-footed wanderer. We could not find him if he were not in some sense of our being, and yet of our being but as water with fire, a noise with silence. He is of all things the most difficult, for that only which comes easily can never be a portion of our being." — W.B. Yeats””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Meaning of Anxiety” by Rollo May, 1950
Describes confronting deep fears and the unknown as essential for personal growth, suggesting that embracing paradoxical experiences leads to self‑realization.
In simple terms: Facing fear and paradox leads to growth.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty to discover yourself.
Themes
growth
paradox
self‑discovery
Mood
introspective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- creative writing
- spiritual retreats
Key Concepts
existential psychology
inner conflict
transcendence
Questions to Reflect On
- What fears are you avoiding?
- How can paradoxical experiences deepen self‑knowledge?
A Different Perspective
The abstract language may be hard to apply practically.
![“He has the capacity to veer with every wind, or, stubbornly, to insert himself into some fantastically elaborated and irrational social institution only to perish with it. [For man is a] fickle, erratic, dangerous creature [whose] restless mind would try all paths, all horrors, all betrayals ……” quote by Loren Eiseley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/669/loren-eiseley-3848_illusions-delusions_he-has-the-capacity-to-veer-with-every-w_433496.jpg)
