The student did not want to face fear, but it was nonetheless time to do so. He approached, and asked permission to combat Fear, who garnered the student’s respect with its size & might.

Fear, in acknowledgement of the student’s respectfulness & humility, answered him outright, “My weapons are that I talk fast & get close to your face. Then you get unnerved, and do whatever I say.”

Fear continued: “You can listen to me, you can have respect for me, & you can even be convinced by me— but if you do not do what I say, I have no power.” In that way, the student learned how to overcome Fear.