They tell us that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself,but I don't believe that." he said. Then, a moment later, he added: "Oh,the fear is there, all right. It comes to us in many different forms, at different times, and overwhelms us. But the most frightening thing we can do at such times is to turn our backs on it, to close our eyes. For then we take the most precious thing inside us and surrender it to something else. In my case, that something was the wave.
The quote from Haruki Murakami's "Kafka on the Shore" reflects a deep understanding of fear and its pervasive nature. The speaker acknowledges that fear is an inevitable part of life, manifesting in various forms and overwhelming us at times. This recognition of fear is crucial; rather than avoiding it, the speaker emphasizes the importance of confronting it. Ignoring fear only leads to a surrender of our inner strength and potential.
Additionally, the speaker notes that turning away from fear can have dire consequences, as it allows external influences, symbolized by "the wave," to take control. This highlights the idea that engagement with our fears is vital for personal growth and empowerment. By facing fear head-on, rather than shutting our eyes to it, we retain ownership of our true selves and resist being swept away by overwhelming circumstances.
