Courage

What is courage? Aristotle described courage as the mean between cowardice and rashness. He believed that because human nature tends more easily toward cowardice, we should lean slightly toward rashness in order to achieve balance. Yet Aristotle also emphasized that courage cannot be defined in the abstract; it must always be understood in the context of a particular situation. Moreover, no two situations are identical. Therefore, what counts as courageous will differ from case to case. To discern this balance well, he argue that one must have wise and experienced mentors and the maturity that comes with life experience.

One way to better understand courage is to see its relationship to fear. Often, what drives us to act unethically, or prevents us from doing what is right, is fear. Fear of what? Mostly fear of harm, whether emotional or physical. Most of us fear rejection, public embarrassment, ridicule, and physical pain. These fears can paralyze us, keeping us from acting, participating, and fulfilling our potential.

Courage, therefore, is not the absence of fear but the strength to act in spite of it. It is the disposition that allows us to move forward even when we face emotional or physical risk. To live a meaningful and morally good life, we must cultivate this habit, that is to confront fear directly and choose the right action despite danger or discomfort.

A courageous person develops the steady habit of doing what is right, no matter the cost. And having courageous friends is equally vital, for such people can be trusted to stand with and for you, to defend truth and justice, and to act honorably, even when doing so carries great personal risk.