A combination of these paths helps such people lead lives driven by passion and meaning rather than fear. Courageous people are often other-centric, finding great meaning in helping their fellow beings they have good role models whose principles they imbibe and many find great courage from their faith. How does one find such courage? I have talked to thousands of folks about courageous people in their personal lives, asking them what they thought provided the courage. Further, we find the greatest joy and growth in overcoming fears, not in not having fears. Total fearlessness is actually pathological it risks putting you in harm’s way. Complete lack of fear isn’t desirable, as any parent of a two-year-old can tell you. Courage activates the brain’s anterior cingulate cortex, which mentors and quiets the amygdala activity. Research shows fear is hosted by almond-shaped nuclei in the brain called the amygdala. The courage that David showed against Goliath and the cowardly lion against the wicked witch (in The Wizard of Oz) has sound scientific underpinning. Courage doesn’t decimate fear courage acts despite the fear. You will face setbacks on the righteous path and will need constancy of effort powered by courage. Often, I can’t see this because my vision is foggy, my longevity short, and my wisdom limited.

Uncontrolled anger may look like pure adrenaline, but it is compassion that unlocks the greatest energy. While in the very short term, revenge may seem stronger, in the long term, it is forgiveness that will give you greater strength. Your greatest strength lies in harnessing and aligning with the stronger forces.

The visible forces of the mind (hatred, envy, revenge, and anger) are extremely weak in front of the quiet but infinitely stronger powers (gratitude, compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness). The visible forces of nature (tides, hurricanes, and volcanoes) are dwarfed by the subtle, invisible powers of nature (gravity, nuclear forces, and magnetism). Amit Sood says, 'You derive strength and courage from the values you protect.'

Courage brave meaning