Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The greatest obstacle to being heroic is the doubt whether one may not be going to prove one's self a fool; the truest heroism is to resist the doubt; and the profoundest wisdom, to know when it ought to be resisted, and when it be obeyed.
Summary
This quote suggests that the main barrier to acting heroically is the fear of appearing foolish. True heroism lies in overcoming this doubt and taking courageous actions. However, the quote also emphasizes that the wisest individuals are able to discern when it is appropriate to resist these doubts and when it is necessary to heed them. In essence, being heroic requires not only the ability to push past self-doubt, but also understanding when it is sensible to entertain doubt for the sake of making informed decisions.