It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Physical courage is common, whereas moral courage—standing up for principles—is rare.
- In plain terms
- People often act bravely physically but rarely morally.
- What can you take from it?
- Cultivate moral bravery as it is less prevalent.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does moral courage look like in your life?
- How can we encourage it?
Another view
The statement generalizes without accounting for cultural differences.
More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens
Laws are sand, customs are rock. Laws can be evaded and punishment escaped, but an openly transgressed custom brings sure punishment.
Permalink to quote #47 The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane.
Permalink to quote #49 Customs do not concern themselves with right or wrong or reason. But they have to be obeyed; one reasons all around them until he is tired, but he must not tra…
Permalink to quote #46
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