“Courage is knowing what not to fear.”
- 427 BC – 347 BC
- Born in Athens, ancient Greece
- Philosopher, scholar, founder of the Academy
- A student of Socrates, his works include “The Republic” and “The Symposium,” and he had a major influence on Western philosophy with his ideas and philosopher-rulership.
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Quote
“Courage is knowing what not to fear.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato redefines courage not merely as a lack of fear but as the wisdom to recognize what truly warrants fear and what does not. Courage, in Plato’s view, is not about being fearless in all situations, but about understanding the difference between rational fears and irrational ones. It is about knowing when to confront danger or adversity and when to remain calm and composed. True courage arises from discernment, the ability to evaluate threats or challenges with reason and clarity, rather than being driven by impulsivity or blind fear.
This idea connects to Plato’s broader views on virtue and wisdom. In his philosophy, virtues like courage must be aligned with reason, which helps individuals understand the appropriate response to different situations. For Plato, courage is not about acting recklessly or bravely facing everything, but about having the wisdom to face only those things that truly pose a threat to one’s moral values, integrity, or well-being. The courageous individual knows what is worth standing up to and what should be avoided for the sake of maintaining peace of mind and ethical clarity.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the idea that emotional intelligence and self-awareness are key to true courage. Courage today is often seen as the ability to confront personal fears, take risks in the pursuit of growth, and make decisions based on a clear understanding of what is truly important. It is not the absence of fear, but the ability to move forward despite fear and to prioritize what is worth fearing—such as honor, integrity, and justice—over lesser concerns or transient anxieties. Plato’s quote reminds us that true courage is grounded in reason and wisdom, allowing us to face the challenges of life with clarity and purpose.
