What Is Courage Essays Example

The common meaning of the word “courage” is bravery, however, its actual meaning is a lot deeper and more significant than just that. Courage is a whole philosophy for people, who overcame their fears and did what they thought, is impossible. Courage is an attitude towards the unknown, scary and frightening. Courage is something you need to develop in yourself; it is a skill, and you don’t get it easily. It is what you get for overcoming your fears. It is what you get for standing your ground and standing up for what is right. It is a lifestyle. It is a credo. Its importance is grand, in any culture or country courageous people have been and will be much respected.
Even the word “courage” itself sounds strong, confident and powerful. Courageous people are undefeated. It is impossible to enslave people, who possess this quality; their goals are defined and they sure know what they want and how to achieve it. It is not a surprise that courageous people become great world leaders, inventors, icons, heroes and mentors, and are remembered as they live and long after they are gone. Courage can be a stand for a soldier and a quality of the loving mother. It is both unique and universal at the same time. History has taught us that one who stands for his belief will never be defeated by one who stands for a reward.
Courage is displayed and depicted in ancient and modern literature, in movies and plays, in melodies and songs, in paintings and photos. Modern world offers a huge range of new possibilities and sources of information. It is easy to find what you are looking for and juxtapose your thoughts and opinions to others without even going outside of the room. This informational wave makes us confused and uncertain. We can see every situation from different angles, and that makes it harder to define your own position in each situation. So what are the signs of a courageous person? Nelson Mandela once said “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear”. Thus, those people, who managed to win over their fears, deserve to be called courageous. Courage is standing for what you believe in despite the possible consequences. Courage is an attribute, and it starts in the soul of the individual and grows into his actions.
Everyone wants to be courageous but not anyone can be called courageous. There is no mould or template to help identify whether a person is courageous or not; it is up to each one of us to decide. Does the kid who has suddenly fallen from his bike, but stood up and continued going, even though other kids were laughing, deserve to be called courageous? Or a mother, who gave birth to her son, regardless of the fact, that she could have died during labor, does she deserve to be called courageous? A soldier, who left his dreams of becoming a teacher and went to war, to fight for his nation and country, does he deserve to be called courageous? Courage is a state of mind, and its appearance, no matter, how big or small, is important. It is a change, slow and quiet, like a whisper in the chaotic world.
Courage is important. It is not only important to possess this quality and be a better man. It is vital for nations to raise their children and teach them about courage, and explain the meaning of it. Often courage is associated with a greater deed for the sake of mankind. Martin Luther King Jr. serves a great example of a courageous person. He was not afraid to voice his opinion, and he truly believed that it is possible to change the usual way of things and make his dream come true. He turned everything in the other direction and now, as years went by; he is still remembered and loved. Another bright example is pacifist Mahatma Gandhi, who is known for being peacemaker in India and for his peaceful way of achieving goals.
The foundation of true heroism appears to be courage. Thus, globally speaking, courage is very important to the humankind. Society needs its heroes; it is more than essential to have people, who are ready to trade all that they have for the greater goal. The purpose of all of this is to remind that people were created not only to exist as it is, but to develop further, to help build a better place for their children to live in, help create a better world. Courage is the key to it. Only courageous people will be able to overcome the oppression of fear of the unknown and stand for what is it right. Courage is passion, and it is facing difficulties with a smile. Courage is a roar and a little voice, but if it takes place in the world, it means that, at the end of the day, we can be sure that a brave heart will offer a hand of support.