bravery.

One of the most admired and encomiumized virtues, unfeigned bravery is a jewel of mankind. The popularity of this virtue is not just a current fad of this generation or nation as a whole. Accolades of this character trait have been prominent since ancient times. The Greeks actually prized bravery in a man above all else and the men would gladly die in order to be remembered as “brave.” In the Noah Webster 1828 dictionary, bravery is defined as “courage; fearlessness of danger; generosity or dignity of mind which despises meanness and cruelty, and disdains to take advantage of a vanquished enemy.”

Winston Churchill says that bravery is “what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” This is very true. Being brave does not mean that the person can be prideful and boastful. Quite the contrary. If a person is truly brave, meek and selfless qualities will also follow. To complete the mental picture of this attribute another quote will help round it out to a more full perspective. “[Bravery] doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. (Mary Anne Radmacher)” It often takes very little to get discouraged and quite trying, but persevering through the tough times is what really builds character.

Bravery is not a characteristic that a person is either born with, or not; it is a goal that must be sought after. Acquiring it takes lots of effort and determination. Many trials will come and it is through these that a person gains the courage to struggle and eventually conquer. The friend and family that comprise a person’s companions will determine what kind of man/woman the person will become. If the friends are always trying to make life easy and coddle the person, he/she will never learn proper fear nor how to deal with situations which call for valorous deeds.

When courage and steadfast boldness are nurtured in a person from an early age, bravery will be connate and a lasting virtue. This will result in a person of rich character that will be prepared to face any obstacle in any situation. “Loyalty and devotion lead to bravery. Bravery leads to the spirit of self-sacrifice. The spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in the power of love.” (Morihei Ueshiba)