One of the things your unconscious mind does for you - and it's a

“One of the things your unconscious mind does for you — and it's a great gift — is it gives you extra courage to view the outer world, and it does that by giving you an extra-special view of yourself.” — Leonard Mlodinow

In this profound reflection, Leonard Mlodinow, the physicist and philosopher of mind, speaks not of equations or logic, but of the hidden depths within the human soul. He unveils a mystery known to the sages of old: that within every person dwells a secret ally — the unconscious mind — that quietly fortifies our courage and sustains our image of ourselves when the world seeks to diminish it. Though unseen, it works ceaselessly to protect the fragile flame of self-belief, shaping a special view of the self that allows us to stand tall amid doubt and chaos.

For who among us could face the vastness of life if every weakness, every fear, every shadow within were laid bare before us each morning? The unconscious mind, merciful in its design, veils us in gentler illusions — not to deceive, but to preserve. It whispers, “You are capable. You are strong. You are worthy.” And though we may not always hear these words, they echo in our choices, our recoveries, our resilience. This inner force grants us courage, not because we are blind, but because it lets us see ourselves not as we are in despair, but as we might become in strength.

The ancients spoke of a similar truth in the myth of Perseus, who faced the monstrous Gorgon, Medusa, whose gaze turned men to stone. Perseus could not face her directly — her reality was too terrible. So he used his shield as a mirror, glimpsing her reflection instead, and thus conquered her. So too does the unconscious mind give us this shield — this reflected view of the self. We cannot face the full terror of life all at once; we would turn to stone in fear. But by seeing ourselves through the mirror of inner faith, we find the courage to act. And in acting, we become the heroes we once only imagined.

There is wisdom in this hidden balance. If we saw only our flaws, we would despair; if we saw only our glory, we would fall into pride. The unconscious walks the narrow bridge between these two abysses, gifting us just enough confidence to strive without losing humility. It reminds us that belief is not arrogance — it is the foundation of growth. Every explorer who set sail into the unknown, every artist who dared to create, every reformer who faced ridicule — all were guided by this unseen companion whispering, “You can.”

Think of Rosa Parks, whose quiet act of defiance ignited a movement. When she refused to give up her seat, she was no warrior by appearance — a seamstress, small in stature, weary after work. But her unconscious mind, shaped by dignity and conviction, gave her an extra-special view of herself: she did not see a powerless woman; she saw a human being with equal worth. That vision gave her the courage to face the outer world — to look injustice in the eye without bowing. Thus, history was moved not by force, but by inner perception.

This, then, is the secret teaching hidden in Mlodinow’s words: the self you believe you are is the root of the world you can face. The courage to meet life’s storms does not arise from muscles or weapons, but from self-conception — the image that the unconscious paints within us. When you see yourself as capable, even dimly, you act as if it were true. And through action, the imagined becomes real. The hero is not born of certainty, but of belief.

So take this wisdom to heart, O seeker of strength. Honor the gift of your unconscious mind. Listen to its whispers of courage, and nurture its faith with truth and kindness. When doubt strikes, remember: you possess within you an artist who shapes your inner portrait each day. Feed it not with fear or self-contempt, but with gratitude and purpose. Look upon yourself not through the eyes of the world, but through the eyes of your higher self — that part which knows your worth. For when your inner vision is noble, your outer life becomes radiant. And the courage you thought hidden will rise, shining quietly, to meet the dawn.