Understanding Fear: Choo Ann NGOH Explores Marie Curie’s Wisdom and Modern Acronyms

In a recent LinkedIn post, Choo Ann NGOH shares a personal reflection on the nature of fear, drawing upon a profound quote attributed to Nobel laureate Dame Marie Curie and exploring various modern interpretations of the word.

NGOH begins by recounting a childhood memory of their mother’s wisdom: “Nothing is to be feared, only understood.” This foundational belief, which NGOH initially attributed to their mother, was later discovered to be a powerful statement by the eminent scientist Dame Marie Curie. This sets the stage for NGOH’s exploration into how understanding can be a powerful antidote to fear.

“Nothing is to be feared
Only understood”

The Power of Understanding Over Fear

NGOH uses this quote as a springboard to discuss how confronting and seeking to comprehend what we fear, rather than avoiding it, can lead to greater personal growth and resilience. The article highlights how this sentiment, originating from a two-time Nobel prize winner, carries significant weight and encourages a proactive approach to overcoming anxieties.

Deconstructing ‘Fear’: Modern Acronyms and Personal Anecdotes

The narrative then takes a more contemporary turn as NGOH delves into modern acronyms that attempt to define or reframe fear. This personal touch is evident when NGOH describes their initial reaction to a suggestion from their Finance Minister regarding clothing:

“So when my Finance Minister told me to check out a round neck shirt featuring a veli veli veli big horse 🐎, I went to see lor”

This anecdote, while seemingly lighthearted, underscores NGOH’s willingness to engage with and understand new or unexpected things, mirroring the core message of confronting the unknown.

NGOH then presents three distinct interpretations of the word ‘fear’ that have emerged in different contexts:

• 1) False Evidence Appearing Real
• 2) Face Everything And Rise
• 3) Forget Everything And Run

As NGOH notes, the third definition, “Forget Everything And Run,” gained particular traction during the pandemic, reflecting a common human response to overwhelming circumstances.

Navigating Fear in Practice

The crux of NGOH’s post lies in the question posed to the audience: how does one conquer fear, considering these varied definitions? NGOH acknowledges the complexity and humor in the situation, raising a hand and stating:

“(Raises hand)🙋bearing the above 3 different definitions in mind, how does one conquer fear wor?🤷😱😅”

According to NGOH, the journey to conquering fear is not a singular path but an ongoing process of understanding, confronting, and adapting. By referencing Marie Curie’s timeless advice and juxtaposing it with relatable modern acronyms, Choo Ann NGOH prompts readers to reflect on their own strategies for facing and overcoming the fears that shape their experiences.