Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees the others.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Courage is essential because it allows other virtues to be practiced consistently.
- In plain terms
- Courage is the first virtue because it makes other virtues possible.
- What can you take from it?
- Develop courage to enable all other good qualities.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you be virtuous without courage?
- Why is courage the first quality?
Another view
Other virtues like wisdom might be considered foundational instead of courage.
More from Aristotle
Change in all things is sweet.
Permalink to quote #86 Democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are equally free, they claim to be absolutely…
Permalink to quote #88 Bring your desires down to your present means. Increase them only when your increased means permit.
Permalink to quote #85
Related quotes
Without courage, all other virtues are useless.
Edward AbbeyEdward Abbey quote #6 Without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.
Maya AngelouMaya Angelou quote #2 'Love without courage and wisdom is sentimentality, as with the ordinary church member. Courage without love and wisdom is foolhardiness, as with the ordinary …
Ammon HennesseyAmmon Hennessey quote #6