what is courage?
Posted on Jul 17th, 2007
by 
synonym for light
synonym for light
is courage the thing that it takes to overcome fear? or is it fearlessness? or is it both?
I was just wondering about it today. I didn't decide.
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QAR
August 2008 
If fear is the sunset, courage is the dawn.
John
:-)
so would that also mean that without fear there is no courage as without sunset there can be no dawn?
and if one is fearless, do they lack courage? or just not need it at the moment until they encounter fear again?
does using the word courageous imply that fear has been present?
Great question. Perhaps courage is the next step from fear..closer to the light; where cowardice would be the next step down…closer to the dark?
Fear as the sunset, courage as the dawn.
Courage is fear wrapped in strong arms.
I don't know any courageous people who don't know fear.
John
An old cliche is that Courage is Fear that has said its prayers. I have found that those that are “fearless” indeed have no courage as they have no sense of fear, thus no sense.
To me, courage is taking action in the face of fear.
thank you all for commenting. I have been away from the computer for a day or two.
adam says the same as you george – those with no fear have no sense. he says courage is the wisdom to figure out how to overcome fear.
I do think I agree that courage is linked to fear, but I’m not sure that I agree that all who lack fear, lack sense. at least in the way that adam sums it up.
I bought a book Tuesday night called “on becoming fearless” and then I began to wonder if I did indeed want to become fearless.
perhaps those that are fearless feel they have nothing to lose. some in a nihilistic way (this existence has no meaning) and some in a buddhist way (this existence is all illusion/play) and maybe some in a senseless (just not smart) way.
I am still wondering whether I would prefer to be courageous or fearless. Perhaps courageous is a first baby step toward a fearless life. and recognizing that fear is present is the first step toward courage.
I rather liked today's Gift From Hazelden Daily Meditation as it, too, talked of courage. It spoke of courage being grounded in calmness, which I agree with.
yes, that’s nice. courage is indeed grounded in calmness.
Well, without fear there isn't any space for courage, is there? I mean, if I do something scary-dangerous but I'm too dumb to realize the danger, I'm not being brave, just, well, dumb. But if I know I'm facing something that shakes me and I'm willing to do it anyway, that's being either brave or maybe dumb or some of both, but at least courage has a shot at getting in the mix.
I would NEVER wish to be fearless, but I like having courage.
Found the Daily Meditation from Hazelden-
Today's thought from Hazelden is:
Courage and Patience
Courage is not grim determination, boastful arrogance, or uncontrolled aggression. True courage comes from quiet conviction, which shows itself in self-control, calm assurance, and patient persistence.
It takes courage, for example, to resist lashing back at others who hurt or offend us. It takes courage to endure the consequences of our attitudes, actions, and neglects without bragging or complaining. It takes courage to believe no situation or person is hopeless. It takes courage to remain optimistic about life when nothing seems to turn out right. It takes courage to maintain our enthusiasm and effort despite delays and setbacks. It takes courage to do the things we know are right in spite of our fears of rejection or inadequacy. And it takes courage to refrain from taking over a loved one's responsibilities when he or she is failing to meet them.
Today, I will face life with courage. I will respond calmly and confidently to life's challenges. I will place my faith and trust in God and the principles I am learning in this philosophy of living.
thanks george and rapunzel. I love both of those posts.
today started out with a need for courage even without fear exactly being present. & ended with calm and love. I absolutely love the courage and patience definition for today. Love it. i think that is indeed the best definitioin of courage I have seen. very inspiring.
anyone noticed one of the sponsors on the list to the right has a photograph with a title “be fearless!”. I wonder why “fearless” is used so much more than “courageous” these days. is it just more useful graphically?