Cool Heads Can Beat Courage

I shared a few weeks ago that being calm can be contagious. If there is a hectic situation, your ability to keep calm will be seen and felt by others, and will hopefully inspire them to do the same.

Related is the idea that keeping a cool head is generally more advantageous than simply showing courage. A few quotes from “ The Obstacle is the Way “ help to support this idea.

First, from Teddy Roosevelt:

“What such a man needs is not courage but nerve control, cool headedness. This he can get only by practice.”

Second, from what Voltaire suggested as the secret to the great success of the first Duke of Marlborough, that…

“tranquil courage in the midst of tumult and serenity of soul in danger, which the English call a cool head.”

Being courageous is a wonderful trait to have. Being able to steel up to face an obstacle is something to be admired.

Without a cool head, though, simply being courageous is a great way to find yourself dead. Better is to pair your courage with coolness, so you can properly assess the situation before you dive in.

Originally published at https://www.mickmel.com on June 28, 2022.