Jackson Smoot's Key Ideas from Courage Is Calling
by Ryan Holiday

“One cannot find a great exemplar except in misfortune.”

“Fear determines what is or isn’t possible. If you think something is too scary, it’s too scary for you. If you don’t think you have any power…you don’t. If you aren’t the captain of your fate… then fate is the captain of you.”

“Our fears point us , like a self-indicating arrow, in the direction of the right thing to do.”

“If you wish to improve, be content to appear clueless or stupid.”

“There’s a great expression: Whatever you’re not changing, you’re choosing.”

“One man with courage makes a majority.”

“The bill comes due eventually, with interest attached.”

“Imagine that your own ancestors - of blood and bravery - are standing here, watching you, protecting you. Remind yourself what they would do right here and right now. You can’t let them down.”

“Every prophet has to come from civilization, but every prophet has to go into the wilderness. He must have a strong impression of a complex society… and he must serve periods of isolation and meditation. This is the process by which psychic dynamite is made.”

“A life is meaningless except for it’s impact on others.”

“Our duty was never just to be the best version of ourselves, but to help others realize their best.”

“Character, is above all the ability to disregard insults or abandonment by one’s own people. One must be willing to lose everything. There is no such thing as half a risk.”

“No power on earth can govern a human being, however feeble, who withholds his or her consent.”