Courage
In order to live happily and be successful, one must learn which values and traits to hold and how to achieve them. This also demands developing a consistent personality and character. Courage is the ability to conquer the chronic desire to limit options and to live life within safe bounds.
After 24 years of experience as a human being and three years of studying philosophy, one thing I have noted is the essential and fundamental need for
courage. In the previous blogpost, we noted that it in order to fuel one’s passion for life, one needs to risk. As a matter of fact, courage is not just a virtue for warriors and mountain climbers. Rather, it is a virtue for every human being because a life of high quality is a life lived with and in courage.
courage. In the previous blogpost, we noted that it in order to fuel one’s passion for life, one needs to risk. As a matter of fact, courage is not just a virtue for warriors and mountain climbers. Rather, it is a virtue for every human being because a life of high quality is a life lived with and in courage.
Character of a Courageous Individual
Acting in the Face of Terror
Fear is not opposed to courage! There can not be courage if there is an absence of terror and fear. In fact, the only time a man can be said to be courageous is if he is afraid. As the proverb goes – fear and courage are brothers.
It should never be the case that the mere sentiment of fear or dread should limit a man (sic) from pursuing his dream and his purpose.
Facing Uncertainty
The separating gulf between the courageous and the coward is the capacity of one to face the lack of certitude which haunts the whole of human life. The good thing is that we all face uncertainty. Uncertainty in our family, in our work, in our ministry and in any area of life.
Life is surely uncertain but the best thing one can do is stop being a spectator and be a protagonist of your life. This demands that you now focus on the things over which you have control.
Exploring the unknown requires tolerating uncertainty.
Brian Greene
Be Aware of your Greatness
I have mentioned the fact that there is no courage in naivety and in gullibility. Because in such a situation, one has no knowledge of impending dangers. Such naivety is simply ignorance and inexperience.
It is important to be aware of the fact that the world is not safe and sound but rather dangerous. However, I can still face it and actualize my potential– As the Bible says:
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
- 1 John 4: 4
Break Free
It is an existential need that in order for one to develop courage, they should have lost either literally or symbolically a sort of some protective, safety-assuring and secure ground.
Freud was very clear in this regard when he said that
“no one can be a man unless his father had died. Jung further clarified that such a death can take place literally or even symbolically.
Cited from Jordan Peterson
This also demands that one also learns to play. To play is to engage in interaction without fear of breaking rules and being punished for it.
Take Responsibility
The extent of one’s courage is also measured by the responsibility that one takes in their very life. The responsibility one takes is directy linked to the quality of meaning that one’s life attains.
Dare! Take responsibility! This is very essential as it will help you to face your fear.
Einstein once said, “Every child is born a genius.” But the reason why most people fail is because they are not aware of how blessed and gifted they really are.
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