"Overcome your fear."

I remember a period of time when this was the mantra everywhere.

The supposed result? A better, more fulfilling life, where you can do anything, reach any height, accomplish any ambition.

And yet, fear is useful.

If it wasn't, why do we have it, and why is it instantly recognisable as a facial expression?

Also, why is it impossible to completely get rid of?

Without fear, we'd have become extinct a long time ago.

Our curious ancestors would have popped random brightly-coloured berries into their mouths, ventured into lion dens, jumped off cliffs, or tried to swim to faraway islands.

And who will have stayed behind to remember and record the dangerous acts?

My contention is that fear should be acknowledged, managed, and respected. Not erased.