South African author and commentator Howard Feldman recently shared his personal struggle with a fear of lightning, an admission that may surprise those who know him as a confident and outspoken public figure. In a reflective piece published in the Jewish Report, Feldman revealed that while he is unafraid to take on people, organizations, and governments in public, he is intimidated by the unpredictability of lightning. This fear is made more manageable by his use of technology, such as checking the radar and consulting with ChatGPT.
Feldman's fear of lightning was brought to the forefront recently when a storm rolled in on a Sunday night, accompanied by a migraine that had started earlier that day. While the connection between the migraine and the storm is unclear, Feldman found comfort in the possibility that his body had sensed the approaching storm. His Swiss Shepherd, Gatsby, also reacted to the storm, seeking shelter beneath a weighted blanket. Feldman observed Gatsby's behavior and wondered why his own fear seemed less reasonable.
Feldman's reflections on his fear of lightning also touched on the concept of courage. He noted that courage is not an absolute trait, but rather one that can vary depending on the situation. While Gatsby is unafraid to take on neighborhood cats and can be brave in certain contexts, he is also willing to seek shelter when faced with the unknown threat of a thunderstorm. Similarly, Feldman is confident in his ability to engage with others in public, but finds himself at a loss when confronted with the unpredictability of lightning.
The experience has also led Feldman to think about the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which involves sitting in a sukkah, a structure intentionally left vulnerable to the elements. While the sukkah's vulnerability can be symbolic and admired, it becomes more complicated when the threat is real, such as during a thunderstorm. Feldman's experience has given him a new appreciation for the sukkah's vulnerability and the importance of acknowledging one's fears.
Feldman's willingness to share his fear of lightning publicly is a testament to his self-awareness and willingness to be vulnerable. As a public commentator, he is often called upon to speak about serious and contentious issues, such as Islamism and hate speech. By sharing his personal struggles, Feldman hopes to show that even the most confident and outspoken individuals can have their own fears and weaknesses.
The experience has also led Feldman to reevaluate his relationship with technology, particularly his use of apps and online tools to track the storm. While these tools provide a sense of control and agency, they also underscore the limits of human knowledge and control. By acknowledging the unpredictability of lightning, Feldman is forced to confront the limits of his own understanding and control.
Ultimately, Feldman's reflections on his fear of lightning offer a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. By sharing his personal struggles and insights, he invites readers to reflect on their own fears and vulnerabilities, and to consider the complex and multifaceted nature of courage and human emotion.
Key points
- Author Howard Feldman opens up about his unexpected fear of lightning.
