Teaching the Virtues: Courage
What is Courage?
By Mary Dixon Lebeau
Average User Rating:
In this article:
So is courage backing down or going forward? What is this elusive virtue, anyway?
“Courage is the willingness to do what’s right even when it’s not what’s popular or easy,” says Dr. James P. Marshall, assistant professor and family life specialist for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Services in Little Rock, AK.
Marshall gives the following examples of courage in children:
• A courageous child is one who stands up for others, and does not participate in the teasing of another child in his class, even when his friends and classmates are participating in the teasing.
• A courageous child is one who will turn down an offer to smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs when many of his friends are doing it.
• A courageous child is one who will not cheat on a test or assignment, even though he has the opportunity to do so.
Courage, then, seems to be the wisdom – be it by “gut instinct” or by proper teaching – to do the right thing in a given situation. That may be as heroic as rushing into a burning building to save others, or as simple as saying no when peers are lighting up.
Actually, the term “courage” is an umbrella term, which covers four distinctive, and important, character traits: bravery, vitality, integrity and persistence. Bravery is the ability to do what’s right even if it means risking personal safety or health. Every day, firemen and policemen exhibit bravery, as they are willing to do anything to save another citizen, despite the possibility of personal injury.
Vitality describes the way a person approaches a task. People who are truly courageous bring enthusiasm and energy to their duties. They focus on the positive and don’t get discouraged by mistakes, or trading perfectionism for personal growth.
Acting with integrity means taking responsibility for yourself, without blaming others for your disappointments. True courage comes from overcoming obstacles without placing blame on others for your failures. A person with integrity gives his moral code more than lip service – it’s something he lives each day.
Finally, a person with true courage is persistent. It’s like that song that was popular a few years back: “I get knocked down, but I get up again. Nothing’s going keep me down.” Those with true courage endure obstacles, stick with their purpose, and see it through to the finish.
Related Features:
