Fear

[zeekster]

I think a lot about the meaning of words. I try to choose my words carefully and I try to be aware of the meanings they carry.

Recently I thought about the word courage. From what I gather in the dictionary, it is synonymous with bravery and means the ability to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear.

That got me to thinking about

Comments

[jestert79]

I prefer this definition of courage: (stolen from dictionary.com)

The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery.

This one focuses on what you have if you're courageous, rather than saying "without fear."

There's that saying "There's a fine line between courage and stupidity;" I guess facing a difficult situation without fear can be pretty stupid.

[bluey]

Agreed, courage doesn't necessarily mean without fear. You can acknowledge fear and disregard it in the face of adversity.

To face an inherently dangerous situation with no acknowledgment of fear is called "foolhardy". It's the leading cause of classic videos like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7LUZOArVwE

[farmertre]

Of course I turn to the Etymology dictionary.

Courage:
c.1300, from O.Fr. corage, from V.L. *coraticum, from L. cor "heart," which remains a common metaphor for inner strength. In M.E., used broadly for "what is in one's mind or thoughts," hence "bravery," but also "wrath, pride, confidence, lustiness," or any sort of inclination. Replaced O.E. ellen, which also meant "zeal, strength."

I like that it comes from heart... inner strength. To me courage is the ability to make decisions based on rational risk assessments of the environment you find yourself in. Vice allowing the all to human, although very useful at times, fight or flight response to have the only vote.

In fact "fear" can be quite useful in a rational assessment. It can heighten your awareness and quicken your ability to respond.

Ain't evolution grand...?

[marsinthestars]

your definition of fear sounds a lot like caution to me.

A sentence from "Game of Thrones" (a book I'm reading): "Can a man be brave and still be afraid?" "That is the only way you can be brave."