Courage

Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, or uncertainty in pursuit of a goal or moral good. It is often regarded as a virtue and appears in many cultural and religious traditions. Courage does not require fearlessness; rather, it involves choosing to act in spite of fear or anxiety.

Etymology traces courage to the Old French courage, from Latin cor, cordis meaning heart. Historically the term encompassed mental or moral willingness to act bravely, with later emphasis on physical bravery in many contexts.

Courage can take several forms. Physical courage involves facing danger to protect others or achieve a goal. Moral courage means upholding ethical principles even when it is costly or unpopular. Civic or political courage involves challenging injustice or standing up to power. Intellectual courage is the willingness to accept new evidence or revise beliefs in light of reason. Everyday courage can manifest in coping with illness, hardship, or personal loss. These types are not strictly separated and often reinforce one another.

In psychology and culture, courage is studied as a decision-making process under fear, influenced by perceived risk, values, and social support. Cultural norms shape what acts are celebrated as courageous, and interpretations can vary across contexts and beliefs.

Examples of courageous behavior range from activists risking arrest to emergency responders and individuals resisting coercion in daily life. Courage can be cultivated through realistic preparation, moral reflection, supportive environments, and repeated exposure to challenging situations. Related concepts include bravery, valor, fortitude, and resilience.