There are 6 choices, 10 votes for Makessenseright's debate

Courage

What do you think of this definition of courage? Do you have another one that you think is better? Any comments?

• Courage is...

  This isn't mine, G.K. Chesterton came up with it, but I think it's really (really) good.

  "Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die. 'He that will lose his life shall find it.' Is not a piece of mysticism for saints and heroes. It is a piece of advice for sailors and mountaineers. It might be printed in an Alpine guide or a drill book. The paradox is the whole principle of courage; even of quite earthly or quite brutal courage. A man cut off by the sea may save his life if he will risk it on the precipice. He can only get away from death by continually stepping within an inch of it. A soldier surrounded by enemies, if he is to cut his way out, needs to combine a strong desire for living with a certain carelessness about dying. He must not merely cling to life, for then he will be a coward and will net escape. He must not merely wait for death, for then he will be a suicide, and will not escape. He must seek his life in a spirit of furious indifference to it; he must desire life like water and yet drink death like wine."

  I don't know about you, but this sends chills down my spine.

  40%  Voted for by Makessenseright, Weydon, Amber Silverhair, CrazyRebel.

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    Weydon
    May 15, 2006
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    Thats pretty good indeed. Though it doesn't cover so much the courage for the sake of others. While it may be carelessness/suicidal to "wait for death", there could be extreme circumstance where doing otherwise might endanger other people. It can be extremely courageous to simply allow yourself to die, not only RISK dying, in order to save others.
  • 
    frndofyaweh
    May 15, 2006
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    Very true Weydon

    A good point....And then there is other forms of courage, that may not be life threatening: Courage to face a phobia or an illness that is painful to treat. Fear of public speaking; may take courage to overcome it, etc.
  • 
    Weydon
    May 15, 2006
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    Ah, true as well
  • 
    Makessenseright
    May 16, 2006
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    I agree, this is a pretty narrow definition of courage. Most of the ideas transfer over to more everyday courage though. The courage to go for it, whatever it is, even though you may end up flat on your face. Or courage in the face of illness, letting go of your life so you can fight for it without paralyzing fear. Fear of public speaking, again, making your performance seem trivial and so being able to focus better and do a good job. I'm not trying to argue that it's perfect, but I think you can quite easily connect it to most situation in which courage is required.
  • 
    frndofyaweh
    May 19, 2006
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    Another great point, "Makessenseright"

    Courage is a deep ocean after all, eh? That does stand true; Taking control in a stressful enviroment or workplace, making a difficult decision, that effects many others. Sometimes relaxing a bit and not taking it too seriously, can make you think more clearly in those situations. Even though the situation may be a serious one. Fear can also lead to panic. Panic is far worse, once it gets a hold on you.
  • Amber Silverhair
    May 30, 2006
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    I agree with the definition as put forward by Chesterton. He is speaking at a high level of Courage at its purest. But if you step it down then it is a true definition all the way.

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