Essay About Courage: Top 5 Examples and 6 Prompts
Courage covers a range of topics and meanings. Here are examples and prompts to help you write your essay about courage.
Many believe bravery and courage mean the same thing and even use them interchangeably. However, though both describe heroic acts, they are not the same. Where bravery is the lack of fear, courage is taking action despite it.
Some argue that courage takes more strength because it means sharing your story even though you may be ridiculed, rejected, and misunderstood. It takes courage to admit when you’re hurt or feel lost, vulnerable, and need help.
If you’re having problems channeling and describing what courage is, here are examples that will assist you in connecting with this subject:
1. My Opinion About Courage by Gary Collins
2. moral courage by fernando wood, 3. courage by benjamin patrick, 4. the importance of courage by saloni, 5. essay on courage by manasi shewale, 1. what does courage mean to you, 2. your most courageous act, 3. a courageous hero, 4. things you are most afraid of, 5. what creates doubt, 6. a time when you failed to show courage and regretted it.
“And even then, she had no grudge against the world. She doesn’t think the world owes her. She never takes money or even grains that she hasn’t earned.”
In this essay, Collins shares his experience with courage through someone named Sunita. Sunita told Collins about her life and what made her who she is. Such as at a very young age, she fought to support herself because no one would have done that for her, and many other tales.
Her stories made Collins realize how lucky he is and how he should be grateful for the many opportunities that come his way without the need to suffer as she did. He also includes that Sunita lives on to inspire others with her courage.
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“Moral courage is standing up for values such as honesty, fairness, compassion, respect, and responsibility but just having these values are not enough we have to try to put them into practice, and we have to commit to moral principles as well…”
Moral courage is doing what’s right and following what your conscience dictates. Wood has three significant elements of moral courage: principle, endurance, and danger.
He explains moral courage through Geoge Norris, Nelson Mandela, and Malala Youssafzai. These people took risks even if their lives were in danger to follow their conscience and do the right things. Wood instills that moral courage is essential in making a critical move, especially when choosing the greater good.
“Courage is the only thing that gets us through the hard times, and the tempting opportunities. Courage is vital to the evolution of the human population. It is also an essential quality to becoming a successful person.”
Patrick discusses how courage helps a person succeed in life. He mentions that we all have courage, but some use it differently than others.
He gives an example of a girl who plays hockey, where the other members are all boys. They looked down on her because of her gender. But instead of giving up, she took it as a challenge and courageously showed them she could play at their level. She became friends with most of the team, but there was one boy who kept on bullying her. The boy misused his courage, but the girl used her courage to fight him off.
“Courage is mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It is the firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.”
Saloni’s essay shows two kinds of courage: physical and moral. People who depend on physical strength show physical courage. They can protect and help others. If a person is weak, they are not physically courageous.
On the other hand, one’s honesty connects to their moral courage. They are the ones with convictions and don’t support evil works. Even if you are a weak person, you can still be morally courageous. Unfortunately, this courage is rare nowadays because people are afraid of being attacked mentally and emotionally. To be morally courageous means to be a fighter to go against wrong-doings.
“It is very difficult to keep up your morals and therefore, gather up the necessary courage to fight against the wrong situations. Therefore, in today’s date, it is even rarer to find a person with the proper morals required to live a satisfactory life.”
Shewale shares little acts of courage in our everyday lives – such as a girl who loves to dance but is afraid of the stage or a person who’s readying themselves for a job interview. Courage is not only shown in grand scenes but in small acts that help us survive our daily lives.
The author further discusses events where courage helps in more controversial fields, such as injustices to farmers and students’ bullying.
If you want to upgrade your writing style, check out these top essay writing tips to level up your essay.
6 Prompts on Essay About Courage
After reading relevant examples in essays about courage, it’s now your turn to try your hand at creating one. Below are prompts that can guide you in your essay writing:
There is no one definition of courage. It differs from each individual, and its meaning is affected by our experiences and knowledge. In this prompt, share the word “courage” and discuss what courage means to you. When do you feel courageous, and why? Then, describe personal experiences of being courageous or stories of courageous people who inspire you.
Think about a time when you were courageous. Create an essay based on this event and describe in detail what happened. Convey your thoughts and feelings, and show why you were courageous.
Write an essay about a hero in your life. This could be a celebrity you admire, a relative or friend, or a teacher in school. Describe why this person is courageous, why you look up to them, and how they inspire you. Make sure to include fine details of their personality and how they act. This will make for an exciting and compelling essay.
The first step to being courageous is acknowledging you are afraid. Then, to get your fears out of the way, you need to identify what and why they exist. This prompt lets you connect with your readers who have the same worries.
For example, you can share that you’re afraid of rejection, being alone, etc. Then, discuss why and what you plan to do to overcome them. You can also write about how you plan to be courageous while still afraid.
Our greatest challenge to succeeding in something is doubting ourselves. When we doubt ourselves, we start to think of all the things that can go wrong. So we show our courage by being afraid of these negative consequences but still trying and hoping for a good result.
Share an experience when you still tried, even when you’re unsure. It doesn’t need to have the best ending. You only have to prove that it’s better to try and fail than fail without trying at all.
There will always be times when we desperately want to be more courageous but fail to do so due to various factors. Write about that experience, share your feelings, and what you’ll do if you have the chance to repeat that situation.
Do you want to write about another topic aside from courage? Check out this list of best writing topics for students !
Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.
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5 Inspiring Essays on Courage
Courage is a value held in high regard. There are countless quotes and explanations of what “courage” is. Some believe it’s the same as being fearless, while others say that courage is doing the right thing even if you’re afraid. Brene Brown says that “You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you can’t choose both.” Courage is about stepping outside of what’s familiar and comfortable. Here are five essays exploring what courage looks like:
“The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage” (2017) – Susan David
While technically not an essay, the transcript from this 2017 TEDTalk (and the speech itself) is a powerful exploration of emotional courage. Dr. Susan David, who lost her father when she was 15, describes how she dealt with grief. Societies often encourage people to suppress these types of emotions. She talks about a “radical acceptance” of every emotion, even the hard ones, and how this acceptance is necessary for true happiness. This acceptance isn’t easy. It takes courage. She has an especially poignant way of describing courage: she calls it “fear walking.”
Dr. Susan David is a world-leading management thinker and Harvard Medical School psychologist. She’s also an author and contributor to publications like The Harvard Business Review, New York Times, and more. David lectures around the world for clients like the United Nations, Google, and the World Economic Forum.
“Profile in Courage” (2004) – Dana Calvo
The photo of a single protester facing off a line of tanks is one of history’s most iconic images. In this essay from Smithsonian Magazine, readers learn the story behind it. In 1989, students from over three dozen universities gathered in Tiananmen Square to protest government corruption, joblessness, and attacks on free speech. The government declared martial law, sending tens of thousands of troops to the area. Violence erupted. Several hundred protesters were killed, thousands wounded. The story of the photograph, taken by 33-year old Jeff Widener of the Associated Press, is a story of courage.
Dana Calvo is a former national and foreign journalist. She now works in television.
“This Is A Crisis of Civil-Military Relations” (2020) – Eliot A. Cohen
In this piece, author Eliot Cohen examines what’s going on with military leadership in the age of the Trump administration. While these people are willing to “take a bullet” for America and take on responsibility for the “gravest decisions anyone can make,” they must now show a different kind of courage. Under President Trump’s leadership, the military brass must stand up and risk getting fired. While this essay describes a specific situation between two incredibly powerful branches of American society, it taps into the essence of courage. Courage comes with risks. It often requires people to risk something they didn’t anticipate losing.
Eliot A. Cohen is the dean of The John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. He served as the Counselor of the Department of State from 2007-2009. A contributing writer at The Atlantic, he’s also the author of The Big Stick: The Limits of Soft Power and the Necessity of Military Force.
“How To Find and Practice Courage” (2020) – Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries
This essay opens with a story of a CEO who went against shareholder advice to do what he believed was right, even as he feared the consequences. What gave him courage? Had it always been there under the surface? If you’re interested in brain science and the psychology behind courage, this is a great piece. At the end, it offers techniques on how to “practice courage,” such as going out of your comfort zone and taking care of your body when it’s afraid.
Manfred F.R. Kets de Vries is a psychoanalyst, management scholar, and executive coach. At INSEAD in France, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore , he is the Distinguished Clinical Professor of Leadership Development and Organizational Change. He wrote Down the Rabbit Hole of Leadership: Leadership Pathology in Everyday Life (2018).
“The Six Attributes of Courage” – Melanie Greenberg
What is courage? It’s something most people recognize when they see it, but there are different kinds of courage. In this essay, Dr. Greenberg briefly describes six defining characteristics of courage. She uses quotes from people like Nelson Mandela, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and others. Attributes include following your heart and letting go of what’s familiar and comfortable. The piece concludes with a courage-building exercise.
Dr. Melanie Greenberg is a psychologist, speaker, author, and coach. Her book The Stress-Proof Brain is an Amazon bestseller. She travels the world giving talks to non-profits, businesses, and professional organizations. Active on Twitter, she has been featured in media like CNN, Forbes, BBC Radio, and more.
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Courage as One of the Most Important Virtues
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Essay on Courage
Courage, a virtue celebrated across cultures and ages, is the mental or moral strength to persevere and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It is not the absence of fear but the ability to act in spite of it. This essay delves into the essence of courage, its various forms, and its significance in personal development and societal progress.
Courage is the spark that ignites action in the face of adversity. It is a pivotal quality that enables individuals to confront challenges, take risks, and stand up for what they believe in. Courage is multifaceted, encompassing physical bravery, moral integrity, and the resilience to pursue one’s convictions even when faced with opposition or uncertainty.
Forms of Courage
- Physical Courage: This involves facing physical harm or enduring pain. It is often associated with soldiers in battle, firefighters, or anyone who risks their safety to protect others.
- Moral Courage: Moral courage is the resolve to stand up for what is right, ethical, or just, regardless of the consequences. It includes whistleblowing, defending the oppressed, and upholding justice.
- Psychological Courage: This form of courage involves facing personal fears, insecurities, or psychological challenges. It is about overcoming internal battles, such as confronting anxiety or depression.
Historical Examples of Courage
Throughout history, countless examples highlight the profound impact of courage. Figures like Martin Luther King Jr., who fought tirelessly for civil rights, and Malala Yousafzai, who advocated for girls’ education despite life-threatening opposition, exemplify moral courage. These individuals did not act without fear but chose to prioritize their principles above personal safety.
Courage in Everyday Life
Courage is not only demonstrated on the battlefield or in grand historical narratives. It is present in the daily lives of ordinary people making difficult decisions. It is the single parent working multiple jobs to provide for their children, the student standing up against bullying, or the individual seeking help for mental health issues. Everyday courage may not make headlines, but it is equally significant.
The Role of Courage in Personal Development
Courage plays a vital role in personal development, enabling individuals to grow, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals. Here are some key points highlighting its significance:
- Facing Fears: Courage involves confronting one’s fears and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. It is through these challenges that personal growth occurs, as individuals discover their strengths and resilience.
- Building Confidence: Overcoming challenges with courage boosts self-confidence. Successes, even small ones, build a sense of self-assuredness that encourages individuals to take on more significant challenges.
- Embracing Change: Personal development often requires adapting to new situations and embracing change. Courage allows individuals to let go of the familiar and embrace the unknown, fostering personal growth.
- Learning from Failure: Courage helps individuals accept failures and setbacks as learning opportunities. Instead of giving up, they gather the lessons from their experiences, which contributes to personal development.
- Exploring New Horizons: Courageous individuals are more likely to explore new interests, hobbies, and career paths. This exploration broadens their horizons and leads to personal growth through varied experiences.
- Overcoming Adversity: In the face of adversity, courage is a powerful tool for resilience. It enables individuals to persevere through difficult times and emerge from challenges stronger and wiser.
- Setting Ambitious Goals: Courageous individuals are more likely to set ambitious, long-term goals. They believe in their ability to achieve these goals and are willing to take the necessary risks and actions.
- Inspiring Others: Demonstrating courage can inspire and motivate others to embark on their own personal development journeys. Leading by example encourages a culture of growth and self-improvement.
Courage and Society
Courage drives societal progress. It is the force behind social movements, scientific advancements, and the pursuit of justice. Without the courage of individuals and groups to challenge the status quo, societal evolution would stagnate. Courageous actions inspire others, creating a ripple effect that can transform communities and, ultimately, the world.
The Moral Imperative of Courage
Courage is not just a personal virtue but a moral imperative. It compels individuals to act in the service of others, defend the vulnerable, and strive for a just society. The moral dimension of courage underscores the importance of acting ethically, even when it is easier or safer to remain silent or inactive.
Cultivating Courage
Courage can be cultivated through reflection, education, and practice. Understanding one’s values, facing small fears in everyday life, and learning from courageous role models can strengthen one’s resolve. It is also essential to foster environments that encourage and reward courageous behavior, whether in families, schools, or workplaces.
The Challenges of Courage
Courage is not without its challenges. It often involves risk, sacrifice, and uncertainty. Courageous individuals may face criticism, ostracism, or even danger. However, these challenges are integral to the nature of courage, testing the strength of one’s convictions and the depth of one’s character.
The Paradox of Courage
There exists a paradox at the heart of courage: it is both universal and personal. While the concept of courage is admired across different cultures, the specific actions deemed courageous can vary widely. What is considered an act of bravery in one context may be seen as folly or recklessness in another. This paradox highlights the subjective nature of courage and the importance of cultural and ethical frameworks in understanding it.
In conclusion, Courage is a multifaceted virtue that plays a crucial role in personal development and societal progress. It encompasses the physical, moral, and psychological strength to face fear, danger, and difficulty. Courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to act in spite of it. By cultivating courage, individuals can overcome challenges, grow personally, and contribute to a more just and compassionate world. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us strive to embody courage in all its forms, recognizing its power to transform ourselves and the society we inhabit.
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Understanding The Meaning of Courage and Its Importance
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Published: Mar 17, 2023
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Courage Essay Examples
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About Courage
Courage (also called bravery or valor) is the ability to do something that frightens one.
Physical courage – Feeling fear yet choosing to act. Emotional courage – Following our heart. Intellectual courage – Expanding our horizons, letting go of the familiar. Social courage – To be ourself in the face of adversity. Moral courage – Standing up for what is right.
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