Moral Courage Is Stronger Than Physical Courage

Physical courage and moral courage have their own significance. These two differ widely. To compare spiritualists like Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi with wrestlers and racers is like comparing moral courage with physical courage. Gandhi and Vivekananda both were known for their calm demeanour, yet their deeds, utterances and speeches reflected the courage of a high order which is quite different from physical courage. 

Physical courage is the courage based on physical strength which depends upon physical exercise and training while the courage of the heart and the mind is either a born one or a created one. Physical courage comes through the exercise of the body while mental courage can be cultivated through mental exercise or by remaining in touch with great spiritualists. 

For the cultivation of moral courage, we have to shun the desires of the materialistic world. By controlling our desires, we can rise in spirit. By foregoing the petty temptations of wealth, power and position, we can have the strength of spiritualism and morality in ourselves. This gigantic strength should not be used for selfish ends but in the most civilised and humanitarian way. 

Moral courage is more effective than physical courage. Mahatma Gandhi chose the path of non-violence while dealing with the British government. He preached non-violence in our domestic and international relationship. Physical courage must be supported by moral courage otherwise the usage of physical courage is beastly and barbarous. It is most uncivilised and uncultured. All the great social reformers, religious divinities, scientists, statesmen, saints and sages cultivated the spirit of moral and mental courage. Many people have been successful in impressing humanity and this is a rich tribute to the principle of moral courage. 

Those people who use physical courage, have been labelled as tyrants and despots, blood-suckers and marauders of humanity. Basically they are cowards, who try to cover their fears by suppressing those weaker ones than themselves. 

Everyone must develop moral courage. It is more powerful than physical courage. Willpower is the keyword to moral courage. It was the will of Kennedy, which made him the President of America. It was the will of Napoleon Bonaparte, which made him an emperor. And Mahatma Gandhi with his willpower, uprooted the mighty British empire from India. 

Therefore, moral courage is more appealing and forceful than physical courage. Moral courage always wins over physical courage. 

Written by: Monalisa De Sarkar 

Assistant Teacher,  STEM World School