I just started reading Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s book Night Flight. I kind of love his definition of courage in the forward.
It’s a concoction of feelings that are not so very admirable. A touch of anger, a spice of vanity, a lot of obstinacy, and a tawdry ‘sporting’ thrill.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
My sister recently said to me, “I’ve always admired your courage.” Did she mean my touch of anger, spice of vanity, and my obstinacy? I’ve always thought of what I do as not courage, but jumping into things with both feet without weighing all the consequences. I think that may qualify as foolishness.
But just to get YOU thinking, here are a few more thoughts on courage, bravery, and cowardice:
Courage is knowing when not to fear.
Plato — or maybe Aristotle
Courage is grace under pressure.
Ernest Hemingway
It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.
J. K. Rowling
Brave men hide their deeds as decent folk their alms. They disguise them or make excuses for them.
Quentin Crisp, The Naked Civil Servant (quoted in the forward to Night Flight)
To see the right and not to do it is cowardice.
Confucius
Happy are those who dare courageously to defend what they love.
Ovid
How about you? What are your thoughts on courage?
Hot Dogs and Marmalade 
I enjoy Antoine de Saint-Exupéry definition. 😄 I also like Ovid’s, courage does often seem empowered by love, which throws in an admirable quality to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry definition.
Also, I’m a huge Little Prince fan. Hadn’t heard of this work – is it good so far?
Sally I like the definition of taking action despite being afraid…
I’ve always loved this quote, “Courage is not the lack of fear. It is acting in spite of it.” – Mark Twain