"子供は信じられないことを信じるのに問題はありませんし、天才や狂人もそうです。疑ったり考えすぎたりためらったりするのは、私たちの大きな脳と小さな心を持つあなたと私だけです。"

Believing in things that seem impossible comes naturally to children, geniuses, and madmen. They don’t get bogged down by doubts or fears. But for the rest of us, our logical minds often get in the way, making us second-guess ourselves and hesitate.

Imagine a kid who sees the world through a lens of endless possibilities. To them, a cardboard box can easily become a spaceship, a superhero’s cave, or a treasure chest. They don’t need to rationalize how or why. They just believe. The same goes for geniuses and madmen in their own unique ways. They often venture where others fear to tread, driven by their unique vision or passion.

This idea was captured brilliantly by Steven Pressfield in his book "The War of Art," where he talks about resistance – that internal force that holds us back from achieving our potential. It's a barrier created by our own minds, not unlike those doubts and overthinking tendencies that stop us from taking bold steps.

Take, for instance, the story of Elon Musk. The man’s vision for SpaceX was seen as ludicrous by many. Private space ventures were considered the realm of science fiction. But Elon, akin to a child in his unwavering belief or perhaps a genius, didn't let societal norms and doubts cloud his vision. He pushed forward despite numerous failures and financial risks. Now, space travel has a whole new chapter, with private companies docking to the International Space Station – something almost unimaginable a couple of decades ago.

So, how can we, with our so-called “big brains and tiny hearts,” apply this wisdom in our lives? Start by recognizing when your mind is overcomplicating things. If there’s something you’re passionate about, don’t immediately dive into all the reasons it might fail. Take that first step without overthinking. Sometimes, the “what ifs” are nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

Here’s a relatable scenario: Imagine you’ve always wanted to write a novel. Every time you sit down, you think about how tough the publishing industry is, how many talented writers are out there, and how your story might not be unique enough. Sound familiar? Instead of getting stuck in this cycle, just start writing. Don’t worry about the end game. Enjoy the process like a child with a vivid imagination. You might surprise yourself.

Think of it like this: in a coffee shop, your friend tells you about an idea for a small business. It’s a bit out there, something unconventional. Your first instinct might be to think of the risks, the market challenges, the competition. But what if, instead, you encouraged them to take the first step? To create a prototype, to test the waters? Sometimes, it’s about taking one small leap of faith – and then another.

In the end, it’s about balancing our intelligence with a bit of heart. Sure, we need to be smart and plan, but we shouldn’t let that smother our dreams. Remember, every great invention, every inspiring story, every life-changing idea started as something that seemed a bit unbelievable. So, embrace a little bit of that childlike wonder, the genius’s curiosity, or even the madman’s audacity. You might just change the world – or at least your corner of it.