I’ve always admired the ability to overcome one’s fears and to encounter danger not just calmly, but with levity. It took me years to realize that this quality isn’t universally admired and seen as reckless or even pathological by some.
I admit there may be a cost to pay for possessing them. When I say “may,” I mean that I’m not sure whether there is a significant cost or not. The ability to overcome fear may have little or no drawbacks. Most types of fear may be vestigial in the modern world, just as a craving for fat and sugar is a vestigial desire from our ancient past that has become maladaptive. Many of our fears are unfounded, especially those that are related to physical harm. Acquaintances frequently express genuine concern when I tell them that I like to go backpacking by myself. Aren’t there bears out there? Yes, but at least in California, the risk from them is negligible.
Nehaveigur 