Definition Essay: The Meaning Of Courage

The meaning of courage is when one has the mindset that enables them to face fear, difficulty, pain, or danger. Courage or bravery can come out in a person for a number of reasons. When people think of someone as “courageous” they usually think that they have done a huge deed for someone or really made a difference when, in actuality, it sometimes takes a courageous person to profess their love or even admit that they were wrong about something. Most of the efforts made by someone usually require a certain amount of courage. Fear, following one’s heart, standing up for what is right, and facing suffering with dignity and faith all require courage. Fear is probably the most commonly thought-of reason for needing courage. When one feels fear taking over but chooses to act bravely, that shows courage. Bravery and valor is a type of courage that is often shown by armed forces. Serving the country takes a certain type of courage that most people do not have. Honestly, when I think of the word “courage,” I think of those who risk their lives for us to live in a free country

Whether one is in a scary situation, wanting to follow their heart, standing up for what they believe in, or having faith through a suffering time, they are all going to need some courage. People may think that some things take more courage than others or than some people are more courageous than other people depending what act of bravery they did. However, if one does something as simple as admitting that they they lied about something, that sometimes takes just as much courage as going to check out that “mysterious noise” downstairs in the middle of the night. All in all, courage is needed for all kinds of things, it just depends on the person, their fears, and their beliefs. “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.” –Nelson