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I was recently introduced to this unbelievably eloquent quote by my teacher Yukiyoshi Takamura. He was asked to provide a opening statement for a lecture on Japanese martial arts given by my friend David Maynard. It obviously references the less obvious benefits of studying Japanese Budo but I think it goes way beyond that and sums up an important universal truth.

(Thanks to Dave Maynard for sending me this.)

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"Fear makes us blind. It obscures our ability to employ critical thinking and cultivate objectivity. Without such skills we can easily fall into the mental trap that is delusion and paranoia. Overcoming our fears and pursuing truth is a fundamental element of developing intellectual maturity and finding happiness. The road to enlightenment starts by overcoming fear"

Yukiyoshi Takamura (1928-2000)