The fine line between courage and stupidity

Courage vs Stupidity: What's the Difference?

"Courage is knowing it might hurt, and doing it anyway. Stupidity is the same. And that’s why life is hard." - Jeremy Goldberg

Recently, someone sent me this quote, and it got me thinking. Is courage really the same as stupidity? How do we differentiate the two?

What Is Courage, Anyway?

2 years ago, I did something that many people called brave. I abruptly quit my corporate job, turning down a major promotion and a 6-figure salary to follow my soul's calling: coaching. I was at the height of my career — and to some people, that move was the height of stupidity.

But I felt a deep knowing within me that I was on the right path, so strong that nobody could convince me otherwise. My heart was lit up, and so my mind was made up.

At the time, I really hadn't considered whether my decision was brave or foolish — I was simply being true to myself and my heart's desires.

That, to me, is the essence of courage: honouring the bold moves that our soul calls us to make, even when they defy logic or conventional wisdom. As Sahara Rose so beautifully puts it: "Your calling isn't meant to be understood by everyone — it's not a conference call."

The Fool’s Leap: Bravery or Recklessness?

The archetype of The Fool, the first card in any tarot deck, captures this spirit of courage perfectly. Numbered 0, it represents the void of infinite possibility and the beginning of a journey.

In the card, The Fool stands on the edge of a cliff, precariously close to falling off, his face upturned toward the sun, not looking at the path ahead. The dog at his heels barks a warning of caution. Yet the Fool's expression remains sanguine and blissful. Does he sense the imminent peril? Or does he know, but chooses to proceed anyway?

The Fool symbolises the leap of faith required to embark on any transformative journey. The Major Arcana of tarot begins with the Fool and ends with The World, the triumphant culmination of the Hero’s Journey.

What’s telling is that this journey had to start with blind, irrational optimism, otherwise this card would have been called The Sage.

If tarot isn’t your thing, consider the iconic leap of faith in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, where Indy must cross an impossible chasm to save his father. With no visible bridge in sight, he gingerly steps into the void, beginning to fall forward — only to find that a camouflaged bridge was there all along, waiting for his trust.

Stupidity Is In The Eye Of The Beholder

At the end of the day, the difference between courage and stupidity lies entirely in perspective.

The Fool’s leap of faith can look entirely different from the outside. To one person, it’s bravery; to another, it’s recklessness. The action is the same, but the lens through which we view it is different.

So it's not actually "stupid is as stupid does", as Forrest Gump would say. Stupidity is relative, and it depends on one's perspective… but whose perspective?

Societal norms encourage us to follow a safe, conventional path: go to school, earn a degree, get a steady job, marry, have kids, and retire at 65.

Because if everybody's doing it, it must be the right thing to do, right?

But is it really?

How often do we stop ourselves from trailblazing our own paths, because we fear looking stupid? How many bold, 'delulu' dreams go unrealised because we let ourselves be swayed by the opinions of others?

Why We Fear “Looking Stupid”

If you're sighing in dismay thinking of all your (as-yet) unfulfilled dreams, know this: it's not your fault.

For most of human history — about 200,000 years — our ancestors lived in tribes. These small, tight-knit groups ensured survival by sharing resources, skills, and protection.

Even though we no longer face threats like lions or rival tribes, our brains are still wired as if we do. We fear judgment and rejection because, at a primal level, it feels like being cast out of the tribe — which, for our ancestors, meant certain death.

This is why the thought of 'looking stupid' triggers so much anxiety. It’s not just social embarrassment; it’s rooted in an ancient survival mechanism. When we hesitate to speak up in a meeting, share our creative ideas, or take a leap toward our dreams, it’s often because our mind is trying to keep us alive.

The Ultimate Foolishness

But here’s the truth: no matter what we do, we will always look stupid to somebody. Judgement is inevitable and pleasing everyone is not only impossible — it’s exhausting.

When we release the need to avoid judgment, we free ourselves to live authentically. If you’re going to be misunderstood anyway, why not stay true to yourself? You've only got one life. Why spend it appeasing others, instead of appeasing your heart's desires?

To me, not following the call of your soul — ignoring the GPS directions your heart gives you — is the ultimate folly. Why wander aimlessly when the map to your highest joy is right in front of you? Call me a fool, but I'd choose to take the leap every single time.

So, take this as your sign to take the leap. Whether it's a dream you're scared to chase, a truth you've been holding back, or a change you've been hesitating to make — this is your moment.

The Full Moon in Leo: Embrace Courage

The upcoming Full Moon in Leo feels especially potent — it's the perfect time to release your fears, honour your heart's wisdom and boldly leap into your truth. Leo's energy, like the lion, calls us to claim the spotlight with courage and faith.

At my virtual Full Moon in Leo event on 11 February, we’ll explore the theme of courage and ignite the bravery needed to follow your true path. We'll address the fears holding you back, with opportunities for hotseat coaching, followed by a powerful group energy healing session.

Don't miss this chance for transformation: leave feeling empowered, aligned, and ready to embrace your true path.

Spots are limited and offered at a special beta price exclusively for newsletter subscribers. Sign up for my newsletter to secure your spot and receive all the details.

Remember, on the other side of fear lies magic. Courage isn't the absence of fear; it's trusting your heart in spite of it.