In his book "Already Dead," Denis Johnson explores the complex nature of boldness. He expresses a belief in the importance of being bold but acknowledges a personal struggle with embodying that quality. Instead of feeling brave when being bold, he finds that it often comes with feelings of fear and apprehension.

This insight sheds light on the paradoxical experience of courage. While one might admire boldness from a distance, the reality often involves grappling with anxiety and self-doubt. Johnson’s reflection resonates with many, highlighting that true bravery can sometimes feel like confronting one’s fears rather than a confident leap forward.