Meaning: The quote "Courage is a special kind of knowledge: the knowledge of how to fear what ought to be feared and how not to fear what ought no to be feared" by David Ben-Gurion, the primary national founder of the State of Israel and the first Prime Minister of Israel, encapsulates the complex nature of courage. It is a thought-provoking statement that delves into the psychology of fear and the ability to navigate it in a way that aligns with rational judgment and moral principles.

In this quote, Ben-Gurion suggests that courage is not simply the absence of fear, but rather a form of knowledge. It is the understanding of when fear is justified and when it is not, and the ability to act accordingly. This perspective on courage goes beyond the traditional notion of bravery as a lack of fear and instead emphasizes the importance of discernment and wisdom in facing fear.

The first part of the quote, "the knowledge of how to fear what ought to be feared," speaks to the idea that courage involves a rational assessment of threats or dangers. It implies that true courage requires an awareness of legitimate fears and the capacity to confront them with a sense of purpose and determination. This aligns with the concept of "moral courage," which involves standing up for what is right in the face of opposition or adversity.

Furthermore, Ben-Gurion's assertion that courage involves "how not to fear what ought no to be feared" underscores the importance of discernment in overcoming irrational or unfounded fears. It suggests that courage also entails the ability to differentiate between real threats and perceived dangers, and to resist being paralyzed by unwarranted anxieties. This aspect of courage relates to the idea of resilience and the capacity to confront challenges with a clear and rational mindset.

The quote's significance extends beyond individual bravery and has broader implications in various contexts. In leadership, for example, the ability to make difficult decisions and take calculated risks often requires the kind of courage described by Ben-Gurion. Leaders must be able to assess risks, acknowledge legitimate concerns, and navigate through uncertainty with resolve and composure.

Moreover, the quote touches on the ethical dimension of courage. It suggests that true courage involves a moral compass, guiding individuals to fear what is morally reprehensible and to not fear standing up for what is right. This aligns with the concept of moral discernment and the willingness to confront injustice or wrongdoing, even in the face of potential repercussions.

In summary, David Ben-Gurion's quote offers a profound insight into the multifaceted nature of courage. It challenges the simplistic view of courage as mere fearlessness and emphasizes the importance of knowledge, discernment, and moral conviction in facing fears. By highlighting the need to fear what ought to be feared and not to fear what ought not to be feared, the quote encourages a deeper understanding of courage as a complex interplay of rational judgment, moral principles, and resilience in the face of adversity.