example essay on courage

Essay About Courage: Top 5 Examples and 6 Prompts 

Courage covers a range of topics and meanings. Here are examples and prompts to help you write your essay about courage.

Many believe bravery and courage mean the same thing and even use them interchangeably. However, though both describe heroic acts, they are not the same. Where bravery is the lack of fear, courage is taking action despite it. 

Some argue that courage takes more strength because it means sharing your story even though you may be ridiculed, rejected, and misunderstood. It takes courage to admit when you’re hurt or feel lost, vulnerable, and need help. 

If you’re having problems channeling and describing what courage is, here are examples that will assist you in connecting with this subject:

1. My Opinion About Courage by Gary Collins

2. moral courage by fernando wood, 3. courage by benjamin patrick, 4. the importance of courage by saloni, 5. essay on courage by manasi shewale, 1. what does courage mean to you, 2. your most courageous act, 3. a courageous hero, 4. things you are most afraid of, 5. what creates doubt, 6. a time when you failed to show courage and regretted it.

“And even then, she had no grudge against the world. She doesn’t think the world owes her. She never takes money or even grains that she hasn’t earned.”

In this essay, Collins shares his experience with courage through someone named Sunita. Sunita told Collins about her life and what made her who she is. Such as at a very young age, she fought to support herself because no one would have done that for her, and many other tales. 

Her stories made Collins realize how lucky he is and how he should be grateful for the many opportunities that come his way without the need to suffer as she did. He also includes that Sunita lives on to inspire others with her courage.

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“Moral courage is standing up for values such as honesty, fairness, compassion, respect, and responsibility but just having these values are not enough we have to try to put them into practice, and we have to commit to moral principles as well…”

Moral courage is doing what’s right and following what your conscience dictates. Wood has three significant elements of moral courage: principle, endurance, and danger.

He explains moral courage through Geoge Norris, Nelson Mandela, and Malala Youssafzai. These people took risks even if their lives were in danger to follow their conscience and do the right things. Wood instills that moral courage is essential in making a critical move, especially when choosing the greater good.

“Courage is the only thing that gets us through the hard times, and the tempting opportunities. Courage is vital to the evolution of the human population. It is also an essential quality to becoming a successful person.”

Patrick discusses how courage helps a person succeed in life. He mentions that we all have courage, but some use it differently than others.

He gives an example of a girl who plays hockey, where the other members are all boys. They looked down on her because of her gender. But instead of giving up, she took it as a challenge and courageously showed them she could play at their level. She became friends with most of the team, but there was one boy who kept on bullying her. The boy misused his courage, but the girl used her courage to fight him off.

“Courage is mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It is the firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.”

Saloni’s essay shows two kinds of courage: physical and moral. People who depend on physical strength show physical courage. They can protect and help others. If a person is weak, they are not physically courageous. 

On the other hand, one’s honesty connects to their moral courage. They are the ones with convictions and don’t support evil works. Even if you are a weak person, you can still be morally courageous. Unfortunately, this courage is rare nowadays because people are afraid of being attacked mentally and emotionally. To be morally courageous means to be a fighter to go against wrong-doings.

“It is very difficult to keep up your morals and therefore, gather up the necessary courage to fight against the wrong situations. Therefore, in today’s date, it is even rarer to find a person with the proper morals required to live a satisfactory life.”

Shewale shares little acts of courage in our everyday lives – such as a girl who loves to dance but is afraid of the stage or a person who’s readying themselves for a job interview. Courage is not only shown in grand scenes but in small acts that help us survive our daily lives.

The author further discusses events where courage helps in more controversial fields, such as injustices to farmers and students’ bullying. 

If you want to upgrade your writing style, check out these top essay writing tips to level up your essay.

6 Prompts on Essay About Courage

After reading relevant examples in essays about courage, it’s now your turn to try your hand at creating one. Below are prompts that can guide you in your essay writing:

There is no one definition of courage. It differs from each individual, and its meaning is affected by our experiences and knowledge. In this prompt, share the word “courage” and discuss what courage means to you. When do you feel courageous, and why? Then, describe personal experiences of being courageous or stories of courageous people who inspire you.

Think about a time when you were courageous. Create an essay based on this event and describe in detail what happened. Convey your thoughts and feelings, and show why you were courageous. 

Write an essay about a hero in your life. This could be a celebrity you admire, a relative or friend, or a teacher in school. Describe why this person is courageous, why you look up to them, and how they inspire you. Make sure to include fine details of their personality and how they act. This will make for an exciting and compelling essay.

The first step to being courageous is acknowledging you are afraid. Then, to get your fears out of the way, you need to identify what and why they exist. This prompt lets you connect with your readers who have the same worries. 

For example, you can share that you’re afraid of rejection, being alone, etc. Then, discuss why and what you plan to do to overcome them. You can also write about how you plan to be courageous while still afraid.

Our greatest challenge to succeeding in something is doubting ourselves. When we doubt ourselves, we start to think of all the things that can go wrong. So we show our courage by being afraid of these negative consequences but still trying and hoping for a good result. 

Share an experience when you still tried, even when you’re unsure. It doesn’t need to have the best ending. You only have to prove that it’s better to try and fail than fail without trying at all. 

There will always be times when we desperately want to be more courageous but fail to do so due to various factors. Write about that experience, share your feelings, and what you’ll do if you have the chance to repeat that situation. 

Do you want to write about another topic aside from courage? Check out this list of best writing topics for students !

Essay on Courage

Essay generator.

Courage, a virtue celebrated across cultures and ages, is the mental or moral strength to persevere and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It is not the absence of fear but the ability to act in spite of it. This essay delves into the essence of courage, its various forms, and its significance in personal development and societal progress.

Courage is the spark that ignites action in the face of adversity. It is a pivotal quality that enables individuals to confront challenges, take risks, and stand up for what they believe in. Courage is multifaceted, encompassing physical bravery, moral integrity, and the resilience to pursue one’s convictions even when faced with opposition or uncertainty.

Forms of Courage

• Physical Courage: This involves facing physical harm or enduring pain. It is often associated with soldiers in battle, firefighters, or anyone who risks their safety to protect others.
• Moral Courage: Moral courage is the resolve to stand up for what is right, ethical, or just, regardless of the consequences. It includes whistleblowing, defending the oppressed, and upholding justice.
• Psychological Courage: This form of courage involves facing personal fears, insecurities, or psychological challenges. It is about overcoming internal battles, such as confronting anxiety or depression.

Historical Examples of Courage

Throughout history, countless examples highlight the profound impact of courage. Figures like Martin Luther King Jr., who fought tirelessly for civil rights, and Malala Yousafzai, who advocated for girls’ education despite life-threatening opposition, exemplify moral courage. These individuals did not act without fear but chose to prioritize their principles above personal safety.

Courage in Everyday Life

Courage is not only demonstrated on the battlefield or in grand historical narratives. It is present in the daily lives of ordinary people making difficult decisions. It is the single parent working multiple jobs to provide for their children, the student standing up against bullying, or the individual seeking help for mental health issues. Everyday courage may not make headlines, but it is equally significant.

The Role of Courage in Personal Development

Courage plays a vital role in personal development, enabling individuals to grow, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals. Here are some key points highlighting its significance:

• Facing Fears: Courage involves confronting one’s fears and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. It is through these challenges that personal growth occurs, as individuals discover their strengths and resilience.
• Building Confidence: Overcoming challenges with courage boosts self-confidence. Successes, even small ones, build a sense of self-assuredness that encourages individuals to take on more significant challenges.
• Embracing Change: Personal development often requires adapting to new situations and embracing change. Courage allows individuals to let go of the familiar and embrace the unknown, fostering personal growth.
• Learning from Failure: Courage helps individuals accept failures and setbacks as learning opportunities. Instead of giving up, they gather the lessons from their experiences, which contributes to personal development.
• Exploring New Horizons: Courageous individuals are more likely to explore new interests, hobbies, and career paths. This exploration broadens their horizons and leads to personal growth through varied experiences.
• Overcoming Adversity: In the face of adversity, courage is a powerful tool for resilience. It enables individuals to persevere through difficult times and emerge from challenges stronger and wiser.
• Setting Ambitious Goals: Courageous individuals are more likely to set ambitious, long-term goals. They believe in their ability to achieve these goals and are willing to take the necessary risks and actions.
• Inspiring Others: Demonstrating courage can inspire and motivate others to embark on their own personal development journeys. Leading by example encourages a culture of growth and self-improvement.

Courage and Society

Courage drives societal progress. It is the force behind social movements, scientific advancements, and the pursuit of justice. Without the courage of individuals and groups to challenge the status quo, societal evolution would stagnate. Courageous actions inspire others, creating a ripple effect that can transform communities and, ultimately, the world.

The Moral Imperative of Courage

Courage is not just a personal virtue but a moral imperative. It compels individuals to act in the service of others, defend the vulnerable, and strive for a just society. The moral dimension of courage underscores the importance of acting ethically, even when it is easier or safer to remain silent or inactive.

Cultivating Courage

Courage can be cultivated through reflection, education, and practice. Understanding one’s values, facing small fears in everyday life, and learning from courageous role models can strengthen one’s resolve. It is also essential to foster environments that encourage and reward courageous behavior, whether in families, schools, or workplaces.

The Challenges of Courage

Courage is not without its challenges. It often involves risk, sacrifice, and uncertainty. Courageous individuals may face criticism, ostracism, or even danger. However, these challenges are integral to the nature of courage, testing the strength of one’s convictions and the depth of one’s character.

The Paradox of Courage

There exists a paradox at the heart of courage: it is both universal and personal. While the concept of courage is admired across different cultures, the specific actions deemed courageous can vary widely. What is considered an act of bravery in one context may be seen as folly or recklessness in another. This paradox highlights the subjective nature of courage and the importance of cultural and ethical frameworks in understanding it.

In conclusion, Courage is a multifaceted virtue that plays a crucial role in personal development and societal progress. It encompasses the physical, moral, and psychological strength to face fear, danger, and difficulty. Courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to act in spite of it. By cultivating courage, individuals can overcome challenges, grow personally, and contribute to a more just and compassionate world. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us strive to embody courage in all its forms, recognizing its power to transform ourselves and the society we inhabit.

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Courage Essay - Nuts and Bolts

By: Angelina Grin

The Merriam-Webster dictionary gives the following definition of courage: it is mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. As if a fairly clear explanation, however, for many people this concept has different manifestations. Courage, bravery, boldness are synonymous words. They are associated with manifestations of human nature in any emergency situation, and sometimes in everyday life. That is why this topic is quite common for essays in high schools.

Courage Essay Example for You

Essay on courage: historical figures as the best example.

Our article will give you all the answers to the question of "How to write my essay on courage?"

Courage is a very important human trait. Some people think that brave people are exclusively soldiers, rescuers, firefighters and do not consider themselves as such. But I do not agree with this opinion, I believe that everyone can be courageous.

Courage, in my opinion, is a characteristic of a person that complements his boldness. Courageous people are not afraid of responsibility, do not shy away from actions, they have a sense of duty and will always come to the rescue. It may sound a little exaggerated and festive, but in everyday life, courage can be manifested in different ways.

You can often see students at school, having received bad grades, tearing pages from the diary, trying to hide this fact. But there are other students: they go home, show their parents the diary and are responsible for their grades. I can call these children courageous, because even such an act requires moral courage.

Someone will disagree with me and say that it is empty, that it is not the case at all. But everything in life starts small: the responsibility for evaluation in the future can lead to the responsibility for greater actions.

How to become courageous? You need to believe in yourself, look around and ask yourself the question "What can I do?". Maybe someone needs help? You do not have to go far - you can help your mother, grandmother. You can reach out to them for help on the first request, without referring to school workload or headaches. Furthermore, you can protect the weaker when the opportunity arises. You can confess to bad deeds and endure punishment. Courage comes from within and it begins with boldness.

As people grow older, each of their characteristics becomes stronger. Love - in relation to their own children, courage - in more important courageous act for society. One of the best examples of courage is Nelson Mandela. Mandela began his adult life as an underground resistance leader, grew up as a political prisoner, and became a symbol of his country's transition to a multinational and multiracial democracy when he became its president. He is a great example of a man with incredible moral strength. In addition to political victories, he committed other acts worthy of respect. After the death of his eldest son from AIDS, he struggled with the spread of the disease. Thus, he once again showed courage when he spoke publicly about this loss at a time when the topic of AIDS was almost taboo. Mandela died as a great man - in the eyes of many as great as his hero Gandhi, as a man who changed the country, using not the force of arms, but a moral example.

Courageous are the teachers who spend their nights checking our notebooks and putting all their best into us, courageous are the pilots of the planes that take to the skies every day. Doctors, saving people's lives every day, also show courage, because the decision to take this path already requires determination and courage. Salesmen, janitors, educators, police officers - all people in life at least once find themselves in a situation where they have to show courage.

Everyone is courageous in their own way, someone does their daily work without thinking about the fact that in someone's eyes he appears as a hero and a daredevil. You just have to look around and think about the surrounding people, and then you can be surprised: how different everyone is! How many brave and courageous people there are in the world!

The Best Tips for Writing a Courage Essay

The following tips guide students in the right direction when working on a courage essay.

• Your essay will be a reflection on the concept of courage. So it is worth starting with the main thing - how do you understand this human virtue.
• Argue your point in the body of the essay - give as many examples from life as possible. Have you met brave people? Where and under what circumstances did they show their courage? Think of examples from literature and movies - there are many worthy characters.
• Finally, describe once again your vision of the concept of courage. In what it is shown most of all?
• If you want to get high-quality homework help on the subject of courage, contact a good writing service. Professional authors will write you a unique essay, check it for plagiarism and provide an essay editing service.

Many plots of classical literature are devoted to brave people. It is literature that allows us not to forget about the great feats, many of which are based on real events. Even more examples of brave people exist in real life. Next, we will talk about people of great courage in history and literature, that you can use as an example in your essay.

• Beowulf is a kind of ideal courageous hero. His battle with Grendel is an allegorical description of the warrior's struggle against evil in himself. He defeated Grendel, which means both evil in himself and his fears. This is a manifestation of true courage.
• "Profiles in Courage" is a work written by John F. Kennedy, President of the United States, who died for his advanced views on the reconstruction of America and world relations. The 35th President of the United States remained in world memory as one of the country's brightest political figures. His tragic death continues to arouse genuine interest in the personality and views of the great man. The book was written by him personally long before his election to the presidency. This is a historical and biographical story written in simple language. The author talks about the general traits of the outstanding Americans, famous for their steadfastness and loyalty to great goals. Reveals Kennedy's secret and his personality - political courage. Today, students from various schools and universities compete for the title of best author in The Profile in Courage Essay Contest.
• "Courage is when you know in advance that you have lost, and yet you get down to business and in spite of everything in the world you go to the end. You rarely win, but sometimes you still win." Harper Lee, "To kill a Mockingbird" . Atticus taught his children to really think and ask the right questions, and to walk with their heads held high when everyone around them thinks you are different.
• Stephen Crane's "The Red Badge of Courage" is a story about growing up. It was written 30 years after the Civil War, but has not lost its relevance. The work answers the question of what courage is. Sometimes we have to face our fears to know ourselves in a new way. It is in this case that we show our courage. The story of Henry Fleming and his journey from a frightened, young man to a courageous soldier illuminates important themes many students encounter in their lives, including overcoming fear, soldiering duty and honor, definition of courage, and seeking redemption.

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Courage Essay Examples

Cultivating courage and perseverance: the power of resilience.

The definition of perseverance persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Perseverance. For most, it means the ability for an individual to persevere, or to do something despite the hardships, struggles, and sacrifices. For me, it’s something a little more. Let...

Criticism Vs Courage

Cristiano Ronaldo is a world class player. He is regarded as one of the best soccer players in the world; but many think he has not yet proven himself to win a trophy on the international stage level. By having the right mindset to control...

Brecht, Epic and Courage

Bertolt Brecht was a German poet, playwright and theatre practitioner and is regarded as being one of the greatest 20th century dramatists. He was a principle influencer in the creation of the epic theatre form, as Brecht desired to create a theatre form that appropriately...

The Characteristics of Courage

Saving a baby from a burning building. Spending time with passing ones. Standing up for political rights. These acts look odd when they are put together, but they do exemplify one shared foundation, courage. Courage is the ability to show determination in times of risk...

Audacious Courageous Acts Throughout to Kill a Mockingbird

When the word ‘courage’ rings in the air, most people think of Superman or a Disney character. They may think of notable and often times famous people. The word courage has been stereotyped to bring images of war and fame among the minds of the...

Courage – the Most Powerful Yet Extremely Underrated Virtue

When I was little about eight years old, my parents would occasionally ask me to sing a song or recite a poem in front of my dad’s friends who came over for evening snacks. Before singing, my mom would smile and tell me to sing...

The Power of Courage: an Analysis of a Farewell to Arms

In my research essay, I will argue that Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell To Arms is a valuable literary work because it demonstrates the power of courage in the main protagonist, Frederick, as he fights for the Italian army. Often times, overcoming fear and horror can...

The Courageous Acts of Hans Huberman in the Book Thief by Markus Zusak

In “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak, many characters are put in a variety of predicaments where the character has to make tough moral decisions and make courageous actions. Hans Huberman is the most honorable man in the whole book. He is a silver-eyed painter...

Courage & Perseverance

True courage comes with perseverance Google stated: “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” The reasons for perseverance are the outcome, dedication, and motivation. Perseverance is basically finishing something that you started even when you are going through hard times....

Harry S. Truman and Red Scare

Harry S. Truman, the thirty-third President of the United States, was known for making a multitude of controversial decisions during his presidency and there are a multitude of ways he exhibited political courage during his life. For instance, Harry S. Truman’s involvement with the Red...

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About Courage

Courage (also called bravery or valor) is the ability to do something that frightens one.

Physical courage – Feeling fear yet choosing to act. Emotional courage – Following our heart. Intellectual courage – Expanding our horizons, letting go of the familiar. Social courage – To be ourself in the face of adversity. Moral courage – Standing up for what is right.

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