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The Virtue of Courage |
| Section: MODERN THOUGHT / THE RECOVERY OF VIRTUE |
| Author: Douglas N. Walton |
| Publication: The world & I online |
| Issue Date: 12/1/1987 |
| Size: 6,322 Words, 36,322 Characters |
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Intelligent human action is goal-directed, but when pain, fear, or danger intrude, it is difficult to sustain the mental equilibrium to follow through, even if the goal is very important and the action critical. Hence, the need for courage. As Aquinas put it, the virtue of courage is "to remove any obstacle that withdraws the will from following the reason." Such overcoming of dangers, pain, and obstacles is well illustrated by the following incident.
Sgt. John. L. Levitow was on a C-47 cargo aircraft flying a night mission over Vietnam in February 1969 when the plane was hit and damaged, wounding all the occupants of the cargo compartment and throwing them against the floor or fuselage. One crewman had been launching flares, and the explosion threw an ignited flare from his grasp...
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...enuinely worthwhile contribution to others such a quest is illusory and unsatisfying. On the other hand, a real act of courage is always deeply worthwhile; it enhances the human dignity of the courageous person and those who stand with him; it confirms an inner willingness and resolve to make a contribution despite risk, sacrifice, and effort. In the end, these are all that count for much.
(806 of 36,322 characters)
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