Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. ~Ambrose Redmoon
Courage; what feelings arise in our hearts when we hear this word- admiration, fear, unbelief? What image or thoughts do you conjure up when you hear courage mentioned; a superhero, a mighty lion, or an eagle? This word has been around for centuries, although as it has been passed down through generations and to different parts of this world, its interpretation and usage have slightly changed. Its origin is from the Latin word "coraticum," which was derived from the Medieval Latin word "cor," meaning "heart, mind, or soul." After the word entered the English language, it was completed with the suffix, 'age,' which was derived from the Greek word, "aticum," meaning to express action or the result of an action. So, in a literal sense, courage means "an action that comes from the heart," or, "a noble action." But in this day and age, courage is not normally used in such a way. Most picture a person with courage as strong and bold; a man who has little to no fears in this world and so can live life to its full potential; but I believe that the act of courage is facing a danger or taking on a challenge despite the fact that you are afraid to do so. It is the strength that allows you to face apparent obstacles or the unknown with measured responses and a commitment to succeed, but also to face defeat knowing that you will come out of the encounter wiser and richer. Courage, in my opinion, is not being fearless, but facing that fear head on and overcoming it.
When I think of courage, I split it into two different categories: physical courage and moral courage. Physical courage is the ability to positively withstand physical pain, hardship, or the threat of death; or to do what is right despite these threats. Moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement, or to stand up for what you believe in even though you know you will be scorned for it. And of all the virtues a man may acquire, I believe Courage is one of the most respected and admired. It takes courage to stand up for one's beliefs, or how one chooses to live his life; it takes courage to make a difference or to go against what everyone else is doing; and as Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, said, "Courage is the first of human qualities; because it is the quality which guarantees the others." Without courage, how does 'one practice any other virtue with consistency? How can we be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest without courage?'1
Examples of courageous behavior abound all around us, but most of the time we do not recognize them. People struggle and are apprehensive of different things, and so what may not be seen as courage by others, could take a lot of will and determination for someone else to do. We easily recognize courageous acts that could have dire consequences, such a policeman facing an armed assailant or a soldier who is sent away to war; but in other situations, acts of courage are easily ignored. Courage for some people could simply be that of commitment to something, taking care of a handicapped child, working and providing for his struggling family, or not doing what the popular kids in school are doing because one knows it is wrong. The truth is that courage is expressed in millions of diverse ways by so many of us without any concern of gain or reward. The only consideration is the intention to do the right thing at all cost. As the celebrated Florida-based, African-American poet, Maya Angelou, noted: "One is not born with courage; but is born with the potential to be courageous."
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear."2 Whether it is to simply stand in front of your class and give a presentation, or to set off for distant lands to explore the unknown, both take courage. When a man faces his fears and his doubts, yet does not give into them and continues on his way, he is courageous. Don't let fear rule over your life; fight back. "Courage is being scared to death..but saddling up anyway."3
For without belittling the courage with which men have died, we should not forget those acts of courage with which men have lived.
~John F. Kennedy
References:
1. Maya Angelou
2. Mark Twain, Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar, 1894
3. John Wayne