Be willing to trust your instincts, especially if you cannot
In the words of Brian Koslow, "Be willing to trust your instincts, especially if you cannot find answers elsewhere." This powerful call to action speaks to the ancient and timeless truth that within each of us lies a deep well of wisdom, a guiding force that can lead us when external answers are scarce or unclear. Koslow’s words remind us that trusting our instincts—those often quiet and unseen impulses—is not a sign of weakness or recklessness, but a reflection of our inner strength, a connection to something deeper than intellect alone. It is a reminder that when faced with uncertainty, our intuition may hold the key to our most authentic and wise decisions.
The ancient Greeks, in their reverence for reason, also recognized the value of instinct. Socrates, whose wisdom shaped the foundation of Western philosophy, famously said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Yet, even Socrates, in his pursuit of knowledge, understood that there were moments when reason alone could not provide answers. In these moments, it was the inner voice, the gut feeling, that guided him. Socrates’ trust in his own wisdom, the voice that arose from within, allowed him to navigate the challenges of life with a clarity that reason alone could not provide. The wise among the ancients did not dismiss instinct but embraced it as a vital component of their journey toward understanding and growth.
The power of instinct is also reflected in the story of Joan of Arc, whose courageous leadership in the face of the English invasion of France was driven by an unwavering trust in her divine guidance. At a time when the world was steeped in the logic of military strategy, Joan followed an inner calling that no one else could understand or explain. Her instincts, bolstered by her belief that she was led by God, propelled her to stand before kings and armies, urging them to take bold action. Joan’s story is one of immense courage—she trusted her inner guidance even when the answers of the world were not clear, and in doing so, she became one of the most powerful leaders in history. Her trust in herself changed the course of the war and left a legacy that speaks to the power of trusting one’s own instincts, even in the most uncertain of times.
In our own lives, trusting our instincts can often feel like a leap of faith, especially in a world where logic and reason are highly valued. Yet, Koslow’s wisdom suggests that when we cannot find answers from external sources—be it from books, advice, or even the counsel of others—our instincts can be our most faithful guide. There are times when the weight of the world’s expectations or the pressures of society can cloud our vision. But in those moments of stillness, when we are unsure where to turn, our instincts can provide a clarity that transcends external noise. The key is to cultivate the trust to listen, to quiet the distractions, and to follow the impulses that arise from within.
The lesson in this quote is not merely about acting impulsively, but about cultivating trust in our own inner wisdom. Instinct is not about rejecting reason, but about integrating it into the deeper understanding we have of ourselves and the world around us. In ancient traditions, this connection to the inner self was often described as the "soul's wisdom"—a divine voice that speaks through feelings, through senses, and through our very being. Trusting our instincts is not about being reckless, but about being authentic and true to our deeper calling. It is about learning to listen to the quiet whispers of wisdom that come from within, knowing that these whispers are often more reliable than the loud voices of external influence.
Practical action suggests that we begin by tuning in to our own inner voice. In every decision, big or small, we can practice quieting the noise around us and asking ourselves, "What does my intuition say?" Whether it is a decision about relationships, work, or personal challenges, the more we learn to trust our instincts, the more we will recognize the wisdom that resides within us. Journaling, meditation, and moments of silence can help us strengthen this connection, allowing us to hear the voice of our true self more clearly. When external answers are unclear, we can look inward with faith, knowing that the answers we seek may already be within our reach.
Ultimately, trusting our instincts is about empowerment. It is a recognition that we are capable of navigating life with the wisdom and strength that comes from within. It is a choice to believe in ourselves, to honor our inner voice, and to follow it even when the path ahead is unclear. Koslow’s words remind us that when external sources of guidance fail us, our instincts are not mere whims, but a reflection of the divine wisdom embedded within us. Let us trust in the path our instincts lay before us, for in doing so, we honor the deepest part of who we are and unlock the power to live our lives with authenticity and courage.
NVNam Van
I like the practicality of this advice — it acknowledges that not every situation comes with guidance or precedent. But I also think it demands courage. Trusting instinct means accepting responsibility for the outcome, even if it’s wrong. I wonder if the willingness to make peace with mistakes is what truly enables someone to follow their intuition fearlessly.
HNHanh Nguyen
This quote makes me reflect on how society often conditions us to seek validation from others before acting. But when we can’t find clear answers, maybe instinct becomes the bridge between uncertainty and action. Still, I wonder if intuition works differently for everyone — some people seem naturally attuned to it, while others struggle to hear it beneath all the noise.
HTngo ngoc hong thuy
I appreciate how this statement values inner judgment. In a world full of opinions and information overload, it’s refreshing to be reminded that our intuition still matters. But I’m curious — how do you build that level of self-trust? It seems to require not just confidence, but also self-knowledge and emotional balance. Perhaps instinct grows stronger through reflection and experience.
UGUser Google
This quote hits home because there are times when no amount of research or advice provides clarity. In those moments, instinct can feel like the only compass left. But does relying on it mean surrendering to uncertainty or embracing it? Maybe the courage to trust oneself, even without proof, is what truly defines confidence and self-awareness.
TTTR TR
I find this idea empowering, but also risky. What if our instincts are shaped by fear, bias, or past trauma? How do we distinguish between genuine intuition and emotional reaction? It’s easy to say ‘trust your gut,’ but in complex decisions, especially in business or relationships, that advice can backfire. I’d love to know how to refine instincts so they become reliable guides.