"在最胖最胆小的霍比特人的心中，藏着一颗勇气的种子（确实往往藏得很深），等待着某个最终而绝望的危险来让它生长。"

Even the most fearful and unassuming among us possess a hidden reserve of courage that only emerges in times of great need. This idea, captured in the quote, speaks to an often-untapped potential within everyone, no matter how timid they may appear. Tolkien, the author who created this imagery, believed that even the smallest and seemingly insignificant individuals have the capacity for heroism when faced with extreme danger or challenge.

Tolkien wrote this with hobbits in mind—those small, unassuming folk from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit." Hobbits, by their nature, are homebodies who enjoy peace and comfort. They don't seek adventure; in fact, they actively avoid it. Yet, Tolkien's stories revolve around hobbits who, when faced with extraordinary circumstances, discover within themselves a courage they never knew they had.

Think about one of the most famous hobbits, Frodo Baggins. He starts out as the quintessential hobbit: content in his cozy home, not at all interested in leaving the Shire. But when he's entrusted with the monumental task of destroying the One Ring, a dangerous and daunting mission, he finds within himself the strength and bravery to carry on. His journey is riddled with peril and almost unbearable challenges, yet Frodo persists, driven by a courage that he—and others—never knew he possessed.

Let's bring this idea down to earth with a real-life example. Imagine Susan, an introverted librarian who's happiest when surrounded by books, not people. She's the kind of person who avoids the spotlight and steers clear of confrontation. One day, a fire breaks out in the library. Chaos ensues, and everyone is in a panic. Despite her natural inclinations, Susan finds herself organizing people, guiding them to safety, and even going back into the smoky building to ensure no one is left behind. In this crisis, she discovers a hidden reserve of bravery that surprises even herself.

So, how can you tap into this hidden courage? Start by recognizing that it exists within you. You don’t have to wait for a life-or-death situation to bring it out. Practice stepping out of your comfort zone in smaller, everyday ways. Speak up in a meeting when you usually wouldn’t. Try a new activity that intimidates you. Each time you do, you’re nurturing that seed of courage.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend who's sharing their fears about an upcoming presentation. You tell them about Susan, the librarian, and how she discovered her bravery in a crisis. You encourage your friend to see their presentation as a smaller, more manageable challenge where they can practice being courageous. Maybe they could start by rehearsing in front of a mirror, then to a close friend, and gradually build up their confidence.

By consistently pushing your boundaries, even just a bit, you’re preparing yourself for when that final and desperate danger comes. You’ll know that the courage you need is already there, waiting to be called upon. So next time you’re faced with something daunting, remember that even the most timid hobbit has a well of bravery deep inside—and so do you.