Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This refers to William Douglas's account in "Deep Water" about his childhood trauma and subsequent victory over hydrophobia.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Instruction: He hired a swimming instructor who taught him the mechanics of swimming piece by piece—using a belt, breathing in/out, and kicking.
2. Practice: He practiced five days a week for seven months until he could swim across the pool.
3. Final Challenge: To ensure the fear was gone, he went to Lake Wentworth and later to Warm Lake to swim in natural, deep waters.
4. Result: By confronting the fear head-on, he realized that "In death there is peace. There is terror only in the fear of death."
Step 3: Final Answer:
Douglas used willpower and professional guidance to conquer his lifelong fear.