The human faculty of courage

by CR (109)

Courage is a quality with which all spirits are endowed, to a higher or lesser degree. It is one of the distinguishing traits of the human personality. 

However the courage that we are referring to here is more than the one usually portrayed in warfare. It is related to all aspects of life and it means fortitude of mind and it involves moral, spiritual and inner strength. 

The more strength of character is consolidated in the harshness of daily life and struggles for self-improvement, the more the spirit of the individual feels the need to test this great attribute, so that the results correspond to the efforts employed.

Whenever a human being, upon choosing a pattern of conduct has to resort to his own courage and sets out guidelines to follow, his spiritual assets are increased, invigorated, and enriched.

And there is no one who does not have the opportunity to express his moral fiber at every step, by some kind of accomplishment. This brings a real heart-felt joy that satisfies the conscience, brightens the facial expression and as a greater reward, gives the individual the pleasant feeling of duty fulfilled. 

All human faculties tend to weaken when not regularly practiced. Exercise strengthens and invigorates. It is as necessary to the mind as it is to the body. The exercise of the mind is the routine practice of acts and thoughts of fortitude and courage that need to be stimulated from childhood.

These acts and thoughts can be revealed in the home, when the adolescent takes responsibility for his faults, when he sympathizes with the difficulties and sufferings of his parents and siblings, and when he is capable of a gesture of self-denial and renunciation in favor of others.

They also reveal themselves at school, when the student knows how to win and lose in sports, when he acts with dignity in his studies and examinations, when he recognizes his parents' efforts, and does his best to make himself worthy of their sacrifice.

If these high spiritual attributes are exercised, the adolescent will enter young adulthood with a moral preparation which will clearly reflect the traits of courage that he is endowed with.

This will enable him to resist age-related worldly temptations, to live with method and discipline, to regard work as a prize, and to demand for himself the same respect he gives to his fellow man.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese