Courage is the ability to overcome fear, to do something that may frighten you, and that you know is difficult or dangerous. It is not an absence of fear, but rather an ability to overcome it. “The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” (Nelson Mandela)
Acting virtuously is challenging. It involves being disciplined in one’s choices and following one’s moral principles. It involves exercising the courage to overcome fears and temptations along the way.
For example, being kind to a person you do not like, forgiving a person who has treated you unfairly, being tolerant to a person who has unpopular beliefs, ignoring the unfair criticism of others, remaining positive after being defeated, and being hopeful after having experienced a loss. These situations would all illustrate having the courage to act virtuously – being able to consistently make principled choices to do the right thing, even in the face of fears, uncertainties, or temptations to do otherwise.
Getting Personal
At school or at work, have you ever backed off from doing what you believed would have been the right thing to do, because at the time you were fearful of the possible negative consequences of doing what you would have liked to have done? What were you afraid of? Evaluate your reaction at the time.
“I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me.” (Erica Jong, American writer, feminist)
“Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.” (Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister, statesman)
Courage and virtues – an inspirational speech:
**** Top of post image (Virtue of Courage) by Towards Fulfillment, from google.com
