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The Mystery of Courage
384 pages, 2000
We often encounter courage in our lives. But what is courage? Is it best displayed by marching into danger, making the charge, or by resisting, enduring without complaint? Is it physical or moral, or both? Does it involve subduing fear?
Miller unravels the mystery of bravery in this thoughtful analysis. He culls sources as varied as soldiers' memoirs and heroic literature to get to the heart of courage.
Miller probes the link between fear and courage and explores why bravery often manifests as seemingly related states: rashness, stubbornness, madness, cruelty and fury; pride in avoiding disgrace; and authority that minimizes fear. Whether discussing Ancient Greece or the schoolyard, his inquiry takes us from medieval Europe to the American Civil War to Vietnam and beyond.
In The Mystery of Courage, William Ian Miller takes us on a journey to explore the complexity of courage. He shows us that courage isn't just about being brave in the face of danger, but it's also about facing our fears, standing up for what we believe in, and even admitting when we're wrong.
Miller's research in the book shows us that our understanding of courage is shaped by our culture. Different societies value different types of courage, and what is seen as courageous in one culture may not be in another. So, take a look at your own culture and see how it shapes your view of courage.
The Mystery of Courage digs into the relationship between courage and fear. Miller argues that courage isn't the absence of fear, but rather the ability to act despite it. This book will help you understand that it's okay to be scared, and that true courage is about facing those fears head-on.
Miller's book encourages us to look into our own personal definitions of courage. He suggests that courage is subjective and can vary from person to person. What one person finds courageous, another might not. This book will inspire you to find your own unique form of courage.
One of the key takeaways from The Mystery of Courage is that courage isn't something you're born with, it's something you can learn. Miller's book provides insights and examples that can help you develop your own courage. So, don't worry if you don't see yourself as courageous right now, this book will guide you on how to cultivate it.