Moral courage is the courage to take action for moral reasons despite the risk of adverse consequences.
Courage is required to take action when one has doubts or fears about the consequences. Moral courage therefore involves deliberation or careful thought. Reflex action or dogmatic fanaticism do not involve moral courage because such impulsive actions are not based upon moral reasoning.
Moral courage may also require physical courage when the consequences are punishment or other bodily peril.
Famous quotes containing the words moral and/or courage:
“The moral equalizes all; enriches, empowers all. It is the coin which buys all, and which all find in their pocket. Under the whip of the driver, the slave shall feel his equality with saints and heroes.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“A great part of courage is the courage of having done the thing before.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)