Courage defined by Mandela, Churchill, Ali, and Angelou

 

Courage is a powerful, yet abstract word. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as:

“Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.”

while the Oxford dictionary explains it as:

“The ability to do something that frightens one.”

I thought it would be interesting to look at courage as defined by some of history’s fearless heroes.

 

Nelson Mandela

spent 27 years in prison due to racist apartheid policies, and yet did not seek revenge when he was eventually released. Instead he became president of South Africa and helped end apartheid. He treated everyone fairly and became an advocate for peace around the world.

“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.”


Winston Churchill

was the prime minister of The United Kingdom during World War II. His incredible moral courage inspired British citizens and soldiers to persevere on to victory. He is often called the greatest statesman of modern times. 

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

Muhammad Ali

was one of the greatest heavy weight boxers in the history of the sport. More than that, he was an outspoken advocate for religious freedom and racial justice. He helped lift the status of African American athletes everywhere and indeed changed the meaning of what it means to be a athlete by standing firmly by his morals not only in the boxing ring but in every arena of life. 

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”


Maya Angelou

was an award winning poet and author who was known for her contributions to the civil rights and women’s rights movements. She was never afraid to be brutally honest (even in the seven autobiographies she wrote), a trait that gave her writing a deep and inspirational quality. She stated:

“One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”
By: Susanna Olson


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