The principal act of courage is to endure and withstand dangers doggedly rather than to attack them

The principal act of courage is to endure and withstand dangers doggedly rather than to attack them

Thomas Aquinas, a prominent theologian and philosopher of the Middle Ages, believed in the importance of courage as a virtue that enables individuals to face and overcome challenges in life. In his writings, Aquinas emphasized the idea that true courage lies not in aggressive confrontation or reckless bravado, but in the ability to endure and withstand dangers with steadfast determination.

Aquinas viewed courage as a moral virtue that enables individuals to confront fear and adversity with resilience and fortitude. He believed that true courage is not about seeking out danger or engaging in reckless behavior, but rather about facing challenges with a sense of inner strength and moral conviction. According to Aquinas, the principal act of courage is to endure and withstand dangers doggedly, rather than to attack them head-on.

For Aquinas, courage is closely linked to the concept of fortitude, one of the cardinal virtues that he believed were essential for leading a virtuous life. Fortitude, according to Aquinas, is the virtue that enables individuals to persevere in the face of adversity and to stand firm in their convictions. It is the strength of character that allows individuals to face challenges with courage and resilience, even when the odds are stacked against them.