We are very much what others think of us. The reception our observations meet with gives us courage to proceed, or damps our efforts.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
Distressed valor challenges great respect, even from an enemy.
—Plutarch (c.46–c.120 CE) Greek Biographer, Philosopher
But screw your courage to the sticking-place, and we’ll not fail.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
As for courage and will—we cannot measure how much of each lies within us, we can only trust there will be sufficient to carry through trials which may lie ahead.
—Andre Norton (1912–2005) American Author of Science Fiction, Fantasy
Some one praising a man for his fool hardy bravery, Cato, the elder, said, “There is a wide difference between true courage and a mere contempt of life.”
—Plutarch (c.46–c.120 CE) Greek Biographer, Philosopher
Each man is a hero and an oracle to somebody.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Wealth lost is something lost, honor lost is something lost: Courage lost all is lost.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
Heroism, the Caucasian mountaineers say, is endurance for one moment more.
—George F. Kennan (1904–2005) American Writer, Diplomat
Courage is the capacity to confront what can be imagined.
—Leo Rosten (1908–97) Russian-born American Humorist, Teacher, Academic, Short Story Writer
But you be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
Let us train our minds to desire what the situation demands.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
Courage enlarges, cowardice diminishes resources. In desperate straits the fears of the timid aggravate the dangers that imperil the brave.
—Christian Nestell Bovee (1820–1904) American Writer, Aphorist
The brave and bold persist even against fortune; the timid and cowardly rush to despair though fear alone.
—Tacitus (56–117) Roman Orator, Historian
Women and men of retiring timidity are cowardly only in dangers which affect themselves, but are the first to rescue when others are endangered.
—Jean Paul (1763–1825) German Novelist, Humorist
No one reaches a high position without daring.
—Publilius Syrus (fl.85–43 BCE) Syrian-born Roman Latin Writer
Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you’re scared to death.
—Earl Wilson (1907–87) American Broadway Gossip Columnist
Nature often enshrines gallant and noble hearts in weak bosoms; oftenest, God bless her, in woman’s breast.
—Charles Dickens (1812–70) English Novelist
Courage charms us, because it indicates that a man loves an idea better than all things in the world, that he is thinking neither of his bed, nor his dinner, nor his money, but will venture all to put in act the invisible thought of his mind.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
I do not like heroes; they make too much noise in the world. The more radiant their glory, the more odious they are.
—Voltaire (1694–1778) French Philosopher, Author
Life becomes real only when we begin to face and solve our own problems. Until then we only swim in circles in a large fantasy world which tends to make us very tired of living. Don’t waste energy! Face life now!
—Unknown
The mind, ever the willing servant, will respond to boldness, for boldness, in effect, is a command to deliver mental resources.
—Norman Vincent Peale (1898–1993) American Clergyman, Self-Help Author
To have courage for whatever comes in life—everything lies in that.
—Teresa of Avila (1515–82) Spanish Carmelite Nun, Mystic
I have never looked upon ease and happiness as ends in themselves – such an ethical basis I call more proper for a herd of swine. The ideals which have lighted me on my way and time after time given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
—Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-born Physicist
The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.
—Aristotle (384BCE–322BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher, Scholar
Love of fame, fear of disgrace, schemes for advancement; desire to make life comfortable and pleasant, and the urge to humiliate others are often at the root of the valor that men hold in such high esteem.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
No profession or occupation is more pleasing than the military; a profession or exercise both noble in execution (for the strongest, most generous and proudest of all virtues is true valor) and noble in its cause. No utility either more just or universal than the protection of the repose or defense of the greatness of one’s country. The company and daily conversation of so many noble, young and active men cannot but be well-pleasing to you.
—Michel de Montaigne (1533–92) French Essayist
You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.
—James Lane Allen (1849–1925) American Novelist, Short Story Writer
Courage and conviction are powerful weapons against an enemy who depends only on fists or guns. Animals know when you are afraid; a coward knows when you are not.
—David Seabury (1885–1960) American Psychologist
Fortune can take away riches, but not courage.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian