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 prevalent fear of poverty among the educated
classes is the worst moral disease from which our civilization suffers.”
—William James (1842–1910)
“One has to have the courage of one’s pessimism.”
—Ian McEwan (b. 1948)