TOOL: 4 Levels of Courage

This tool uses a simple thought experiment to encourage personal actions

This is a thought experiment designed to give courage to a team, or audience, that may:
- a) seems pessimistic
- b) as individuals, feels they are too insignificant or powerless to make a difference
- c) believe they are uncreative.
Start by asking them if they agree that, Unless we believe that something is possible, we will not try to achieve it, therefore it will remain impossible.
- see designing miracles
Explain that the change from impossibility to possibility is very easy - but that it requires courage
Ask them how courageous they are...
- wait for answers...
- outline the notion of 4 levels of courage in the following order:

1. You see a house on fire - afraid of getting burned you nevertheless run inside and rescue the children

2. You witness a brutal assault by a gang of known villains - you report them and identify them in court

3. You reduce your meat consumption somehow (e.g. by learning how to enjoy vegetarian food)

4. You doubt you can make a positive difference - but nevertheless spend time imagining low-carbon lifestyles

Point out that reform usually happens only after its becomes 'thinkable' (i.e. when we can imagine it)
If we do not try to imagine something unprecedented, it will may remain unthinkable
- see languaging the unthinkable
Once it is thinkable to many people it will have a high chance of becoming reality

When people lack intellectual and/or emotional courage they are said to be pessimistic
When this is the case they have a lower chance of seeing what is hidden, but possible
If they cannot see opportunities they will be unable to take advantage of them