Reflections of The Courage to Create, By Rollo May Ph.D. Psychoanalyst 1975
Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to confront it.
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"The opposite of courage in our society is not cowardice but conformity." Rollo May
Rollo May wrote this famous book in 1975. Given the political climate and the emphasis on creativity in relationships, it seems relevant to 2024. May also wrote that the courage to be vulnerable allows people to have better relationships and confront challenges.
The Courage to Create.
The courage to create encompasses confronting fear and vulnerability. When artists or writers work from their deepest internal selves, they must have the courage to let others see inside them. They must be courageous enough to bear their naked, unconscious truth, take strength, and confront shame. Creators who have this courage allow others to gain strength from their work.
Courage in Relationships
Relationships in recent times have not been as stable as in past generations. There are many reasons people separate. People grow apart. People often have a hard time tolerating each other and instead agree to disagree. Differences in the need for space or sex can all lead to the end of a relationship. Courage allows your partner to get to know the real you. To be vulnerable means letting them see your weakness, pain, and your genuine self, which allows for more complete acceptance.
Rollo May writes that many do not create intimate, lasting relationships. They fear being vulnerable because of the risk of being hurt. Courage in a relationship is not reacting angrily but being vulnerable, expressing the hurt, and feeling empathy toward the other.
The Courage to Confront Challenges
Confronting challenges can be complicated and requires persistence and strength. Working through challenges involves deepening one's understanding of the issue. One may have to admit that they need to learn some skills to confront the challenge because they are not knowledgeable about everything. Courage is believed to be taking action in the face of fear, and the highest form of courage is found in the balance between conviction and doubt.
The Courage to Become Their Genuine Self
The ability to act according to one's values, the courage to stand up for what one believes, and accepting that one may have doubts requires the strength to be judged. Recognizing the importance of conviction and doubt, individuals can navigate complex ethical dilemmas with greater clarity and integrity. They can find the strength to act on their values while remaining open to learning and growth. Being vulnerable and admitting that one doesn’t know everything is essential. When individuals stand up for their beliefs, they can create a ripple effect that challenges the status quo and inspires others to do the same. This can lead to positive social change and a more just and equitable society.
The Courage to Allow Global Existence and Evolve
To let humans destroy the Earth would mean a significant end to human societies. With the courage to create a genuine way of living, humans would gain a chance to participate in further evolution into the future. To live and let live or agree to disagree seems simple, yet there has not been a way to achieve respect for others' needs or points of view since the beginning. Creating new ways of living in the face of global threats introduces the concept of the "anxiety of nothingness," the potential for humans to cease to exist, which is frightening for many. Yet countries fighting for what they want seem to outweigh the lack of existence.
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