What is courage ?written by william slim.
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Courage is the capacity to work with an unwavering strength of mind in all situations. Quick decision, prompt action, and strong determination are the principal characteristics of courage. Courage is an affair of spirit, says Sir William Slim. It is not only a virtue but the basis of all virtues.
Courage is of two kinds physical courage and moral courage. The distinction is quite sound; for a man can have one without the other. By physical courage, we mean the courage to face physical danger, such as pain, wounds, death, etc. By moral courage, we mean courage to face ridicule, hatred and public disapproval for the sake of, what we believe to be right. A soldier, who can face shells and guns, may be unable to face the mockery of his companions. He is physically brave, but a moral coward. On the other hand, there are men who dare to defy public opinion for Conscience sake yet they cannot face physical torture. They are morally brave but physically weak.
Moral courage is a test of character. Danger and physical risks test our nerves and strength only. But it requires an exceptional man to overcome temptations to be dishonest when his children are starving at home. True manliness is of the mind, not of the body. The body suffers for a time and forgets all about it. But the torture and the pain of mind may continue for years. The man who suffers patiently but not a word of complaint ever escapes his lips, is truly brave.
The progress of mankind is mainly due to men possessing great moral courage. They, who act according to the dictates of their conscience, despite ridicule, opposition, sneers, and criticism, are the real assets of nations. Social reformers, religious thinkers, martyrs and prophets, poets and scientists have had the courage of their convictions. They have suffered the ridicule of the people, contempt and even death. They have gone to the scaffold bravely and cheerfully because their moral courage has upheld them.
Courage is of two kinds physical courage and moral courage. The distinction is quite sound; for a man can have one without the other. By physical courage, we mean the courage to face physical danger, such as pain, wounds, death, etc. By moral courage, we mean courage to face ridicule, hatred and public disapproval for the sake of, what we believe to be right. A soldier, who can face shells and guns, may be unable to face the mockery of his companions. He is physically brave, but a moral coward. On the other hand, there are men who dare to defy public opinion for Conscience sake yet they cannot face physical torture. They are morally brave but physically weak.
Moral courage is a test of character. Danger and physical risks test our nerves and strength only. But it requires an exceptional man to overcome temptations to be dishonest when his children are starving at home. True manliness is of the mind, not of the body. The body suffers for a time and forgets all about it. But the torture and the pain of mind may continue for years. The man who suffers patiently but not a word of complaint ever escapes his lips, is truly brave.
The progress of mankind is mainly due to men possessing great moral courage. They, who act according to the dictates of their conscience, despite ridicule, opposition, sneers, and criticism, are the real assets of nations. Social reformers, religious thinkers, martyrs and prophets, poets and scientists have had the courage of their convictions. They have suffered the ridicule of the people, contempt and even death. They have gone to the scaffold bravely and cheerfully because their moral courage has upheld them.
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