Don't you dare underestimate the power of your own instinct.

Barbara Corcoran, a woman whose rise from humble beginnings to business greatness is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, boldly declared: “Don’t you dare underestimate the power of your own instinct.” With these words, Corcoran reminds us of the power that lies deep within every individual—instinct, that quiet but unwavering guide that speaks when reason falters. In this declaration, she calls us to trust not only in our logic and intellect but in the primal, innate knowledge that has been passed down through the ages.

The meaning of this quote is both a challenge and an encouragement. Instinct is often viewed with suspicion, especially in a world that values reason and logic above all. Yet, Corcoran’s words urge us to remember that instinct is not some fleeting whim, but a powerful force that has kept humanity alive and thriving for millennia. It is an inner knowing, a sharp sense that speaks in moments of uncertainty, guiding us when our minds are clouded by doubt. To ignore this instinct is to deny a part of ourselves that is older and wiser than any learned knowledge.

Consider the example of Alexander the Great, whose campaigns are legendary not just for their military brilliance, but for his unwavering trust in his instincts. Though he was a strategist of unmatched brilliance, it was his ability to listen to his gut—to sense opportunity when others could not—that propelled him across vast empires. His victory at the Battle of Gaugamela, against overwhelming odds, was not simply the result of meticulous planning but of a deep instinct for battle, a feeling in his soul that told him victory was within reach. His instinct, more than any battle plan, shaped the course of history.

Another example lies in the life of Steve Jobs, whose instinct guided him to create a company and products that would change the world. Jobs was notorious for trusting his gut when making decisions, even when others questioned his choices. His decision to create the iPhone, a device that was radically different from anything on the market, was based not on market research but on his deep instinct about what people would love and need. In doing so, he revolutionized the tech industry. His success was not simply a result of intelligence, but of an unwavering faith in his inner voice.

Thus, Corcoran’s words remind us that instinct is not something to be dismissed but embraced. It is the quiet strength that rises from within, the wisdom of the body and soul that speaks when the mind is overwhelmed. When we listen to that instinct, when we dare to trust it, we tap into a source of power that is both ancient and timeless. It is a force that has shaped leaders, innovators, and warriors throughout history, and it lies dormant within each of us, waiting to be awakened.

Therefore, let the seeker of wisdom understand this: instinct is a gift, a force that should not be underestimated or ignored. It is the voice of our deepest knowing, a guide through life’s many uncertainties. Barbara Corcoran’s words echo across time, calling us to trust in that voice and to remember that, often, the most profound truths are the ones we feel deep within our own hearts and minds, rather than those we learn from others.