Courage
Acts of nerve — small and large — and what they cost.
“Tell me about a time you did something that scared you. What was at stake, and what changed afterward?”
From contributors
Not trying is its own kind of trap — it protects a story you're telling yourself, but it keeps you from finding out the story might be wrong. The only way through fear is a series of small pushes that eventually add up to something real.
Anonymous
Facets
The angles courage keeps showing up at, across thousands of years.
Holding firm under pressure
Courage as the refusal to be moved, broken, or defined by whatever assails you from outside.
25 passages · 4 traditions
We will not have more regard to thee than to the clear tokens which have come to us, or than to Him who hath made us: doom the doom thou wilt: Thou canst only doom as to this present life.
— Qur’an · Qur'an, 20.20:72, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗
Philosophy doth consist in this, for a man to preserve that spirit which is within him, from all manner of contumelies and injuries, and above all pains or pleasures; never to do anything either rashly, or feignedly, or hypocritically: wholly to depend from himself and his own proper actions: all things that happen unto him to embrace contentedly, as coming from Him from whom he himself also came; and above all things, with all meekness and a calm cheerfulness, to expect death, as being nothing else but the resolution of those elements, of which every creature is composed.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 2.XV, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
It is in my power concerning this thing that is happened, what soever it be, to conceit that which is right and true. If it be, why then am I troubled? Those things that are without my understanding, are nothing to it at all: and that is it only, which doth properly concern me.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 7.II, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
Think thyself fit and worthy to speak, or to do anything that is according to nature, and let not the reproach, or report of some that may ensue upon it, ever deter thee. If it be right and honest to be spoken or done, undervalue not thyself so much, as to be discouraged from it.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 5.III, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
'They kill me, they cut my flesh; they persecute my person with curses.' What then? May not thy mind for all this continue pure, prudent, temperate, just? As a fountain of sweet and clear water, though she be cursed by some stander by, yet do her springs nevertheless still run as sweet and clear as before; yea though either dirt or dung be thrown in, yet is it no sooner thrown, than dispersed, and she cleared. She cannot be dyed or infected by it.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 8.L, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
He wholly applied himself, as to righteousness in all his actions, so to the common nature in all things that should happen unto him. And contenting himself with these two things, to do all things justly, and whatsoever God doth send to like well of it: what others shall either say or think of him, or shall do against him, he doth not so much as trouble his thoughts with it.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 10.XII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
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As a solid rock is not shaken by the wind, wise people falter not amidst blame and praise.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 6.v.81, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
When any shall either impeach thee with false accusations, or hatefully reproach thee, or shall use any such carriage towards thee, get thee presently to their minds and understandings, and look in them, and behold what manner of men they be. Thou shalt see, that there is no such occasion why it should trouble thee, what such as they are think of thee. Yet must thou love them still, for by nature they are thy friends.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 9.XXV, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Psalms.Psalms 27:3, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗
Thou must be like a promontory of the sea, against which though the waves beat continually, yet it both itself stands, and about it are those swelling waves stilled and quieted.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 4.XL, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
Whatsoever doth happen unto thee, thou art naturally by thy natural constitution either able, or not able to bear. If thou beest able, be not offended, but bear it according to thy natural constitution, or as nature hath enabled thee. If thou beest not able, be not offended. For it will soon make an end of thee, and itself, (whatsoever it be) at the same time end with thee.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 10.III, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
Another doth trespass against me. Let him look to that. He is master of his own disposition, and of his own operation. I for my part am in the meantime in possession of as much, as the common nature would have me to possess: and that which mine own nature would have me do, I do.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 5.XIX, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
Oh, wretched I, to whom this mischance is happened! nay, happy I, to whom this thing being happened, I can continue without grief; neither wounded by that which is present, nor in fear of that which is to come. Now to conclude; upon all occasion of sorrow remember henceforth to make use of this dogma, that whatsoever it is that hath happened unto thee, is in very deed no such thing of itself, as a misfortune; but that to bear it generously, is certainly great happiness.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 4.XLI, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Job.Job 13:15, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗
From Apollonius, true liberty, and unvariable steadfastness, and not to regard anything at all, though never so little, but right and reason: and always, whether in the sharpest pains, or after the loss of a child, or in long diseases, to be still the same man.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 1.V, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
SAY: Verily none can protect me against God; Neither shall I find any refuge beside Him. My sole work is preaching from God, and His message.
Never have we sent Apostles before thee who ate not common food, and walked not the streets. And we test you by means of each other. Will ye be steadfast? Thy Lord is looking on!
— Qur’an · Qur'an, 25.25:20, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗
Whatsoever any man either doth or saith, thou must be good; not for any man's sake, but for thine own nature's sake; as if either gold, or the emerald, or purple, should ever be saying to themselves, Whatsoever any man either doth or saith, I must still be an emerald, and I must keep my colour.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 7.XII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
He said, 'By no means:-for my Lord is with me-He will guide me.'
— Qur’an · Qur'an, 26.26:62, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗
The best kind of revenge is, not to become like unto them.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 6.V, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
Remember that thy mind is of that nature as that it becometh altogether unconquerable, when once recollected in herself, she seeks no other content than this, that she cannot be forced. A stronger place, (whereunto to make his refuge, and so to become impregnable) and better fortified than this, hath no man. He that seeth not this is unlearned. He that seeth it, and betaketh not himself to this place of refuge, is unhappy.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 8.XLVI, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
The art of true living in this world is more like a wrestler's, than a dancer's practice. For in this they both agree, to teach a man whatsoever falls upon him, that he may be ready for it, and that nothing may cast him down.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 7.XXXIII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
Put thou then thy trust in God: for thou hast clear truth on thy side.
— Qur’an · Qur'an, 27.27:79, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗
If thou shalt intend that which is present, following the rule of right and reason carefully, solidly, meekly, and shalt not intermix any other businesses, but shall study this only to preserve thy spirit unpolluted, and pure, and shall cleave unto him without either hope or fear of anything, in all things that thou shalt either do or speak, contenting thyself with heroical truth, thou shalt live happily; and from this, there is no man that can hinder thee.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 3.XIII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
If it be not fitting, do it not. If it be not true, speak it not. Ever maintain thine own purpose and resolution free from all compulsion and necessity.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 12.XIII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
Conquering the self within
The hardest battle is internal — mastering desire, fear, and impulse is the root of all true strength.
20 passages · 4 traditions
He that preferreth before all things his rational part and spirit, and the sacred mysteries of virtue which issueth from it, he shall never lament and exclaim, never sigh; he shall never want either solitude or company: and which is chiefest of all, he shall live without either desire or fear.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 3.VIII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
To be capable of fancies and imaginations, is common to man and beast. To be violently drawn and moved by the lusts and desires of the soul, is proper to wild beasts and monsters. To follow reason for ordinary duties and actions is common to them also, who believe not that there be any gods. If therefore all things else be common to these likewise, it follows, that for a man to like and embrace all things that happen and are destinated unto him, and not to trouble and molest that spirit which is seated in the temple of his own breast, with a multitude of vain fancies and imaginations, but to keep him propitious and to obey him as a god, never either speaking anything contrary to truth, or doing anything contrary to justice, is the only true property of a good man.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 3.XVII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
Remember, that that which sets a man at work, and hath power over the affections to draw them either one way, or the other way, is not any external thing properly, but that which is hidden within every man's dogmata, and opinions: That, that is rhetoric; that is life; that (to speak true) is man himself.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 10.XXXVIII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
The mind That gives itself to follow shows of sense Seeth its helm of wisdom rent away, And, like a ship in waves of whirlwind, drives To wreck and death. Only with him, great Prince! Whose senses are not swayed by things of sense-- Only with him who holds his mastery, Shows wisdom perfect.
— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 1.Chapter II, the ship simile, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗
Self is the lord of self, who else could be the lord? With self well subdued, a man finds a lord such as few can find.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 12.v.160, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
The wise who control their body, who control their tongue, the wise who control their mind, are indeed well controlled.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 17.v.234, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
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He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty. He who is satisfied with his lot is rich; he who goes on acting with energy has a (firm) will.
Be not thoughtless, watch your thoughts! Draw yourself out of the evil way, like an elephant sunk in mud.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 23.v.327, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
If one man conquer in battle a thousand times thousand men, and if another conquer himself, he is the greatest of conquerors.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 8.v.103, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
He who holds back rising anger like a rolling chariot, him I call a real driver; other people are but holding the reins.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 17.v.222, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
For self is the lord of self, self is the refuge of self; therefore curb thyself as the merchant curbs a good horse.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 25.v.380, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
Rouse thyself by thyself, examine thyself by thyself, thus self-protected and attentive wilt thou live happily, O Bhikshu!
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 25.v.379, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
Like a well-guarded frontier fort, with defences within and without, so let a man guard himself. Not a moment should escape, for they who allow the right moment to pass, suffer pain when they are in hell.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 22.v.315, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
He who lives without looking for pleasures, his senses well controlled, moderate in his food, faithful and strong, him Mara will certainly not overthrow, any more than the wind throws down a rocky mountain.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 1.v.8, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
As rain does not break through a well-thatched house, passion will not break through a well-reflecting mind.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 1.v.14, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
One's own self conquered is better than all other people; not even a god, a Gandharva, not Mara with Brahman could change into defeat the victory of a man who has vanquished himself, and always lives under restraint.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 8.v.104–105, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
Yet may it grow restrained by habit, Prince! By wont of self-command. This Yog, I say, Cometh not lightly to th' ungoverned ones; But he who will be master of himself Shall win it, if he stoutly strive thereto.
— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 5.Chapter 5, Arjuna and Krishna's dialogue, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗
Govern thy heart! Constrain th' entangled sense! Resist the false, soft sinfulness which saps Knowledge and judgment! Yea, the world is strong, But what discerns it stronger, and the mind Strongest; and high o'er all the ruling Soul.
— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 2.Chapter III, near end, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗
By rousing himself, by earnestness, by restraint and control, the wise man may make for himself an island which no flood can overwhelm.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 2.v.25, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
The gods even envy him whose senses, like horses well broken in by the driver, have been subdued, who is free from pride, and free from appetites.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 7.v.94, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
Standing up when it costs you
Acting on what is right even at personal risk, against opposition, or when silence would be easier.
23 passages · 5 traditions
If I am not for myself, who is for me? But if I am for my own self [only], what am I? And if not now, when?
— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 1.1:14, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗
Cut then atwain With sword of wisdom, Son of Bharata! This doubt that binds thy heart-beats! cleave the bond Born of thy ignorance! Be bold and wise! Give thyself to the field with me! Arise!
— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 3.Chapter IV, closing lines, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗
Be strong as a leopard, and swift as an eagle, and fleet as a gazelle, and brave as a lion, to do the will of your Father who is in heaven.
— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 5.5:20, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗
The superior man may indeed have to endure want, but the mean man, when he is in want, gives way to unbridled license.
— Confucianism · Analects, 15.1, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
The officer may not be without breadth of mind and vigorous endurance. His burden is heavy and his course is long. Perfect virtue is the burden which he considers it is his to sustain;-- is it not heavy? Only with death does his course stop;-- is it not long?
— Confucianism · Analects, 8.7, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
The man, who in the view of gain, thinks of righteousness; who in the view of danger is prepared to give up his life; and who does not forget an old agreement however far back it extends:-- such a man may be reckoned a COMPLETE man.
— Confucianism · Analects, 14.13, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
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The commander of the forces of a large state may be carried off, but the will of even a common man cannot be taken from him.
— Confucianism · Analects, 9.25, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.
— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 2.2:5, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗
To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage.
— Confucianism · Analects, 2.24, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Luke.Luke 10:3, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗
When he brought to his Lord a perfect heart, When he said to his father and to his people, 'What is this ye worship? Prefer ye with falsehood gods to God?'
The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it.
— Confucianism · Analects, 4.5, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
The determined scholar and the man of virtue will not seek to live at the expense of injuring their virtue. They will even sacrifice their lives to preserve their virtue complete.
— Confucianism · Analects, 15.8, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
Serving men in an upright way, where shall I go to, and not experience such a thrice-repeated dismissal? If I choose to serve men in a crooked way, what necessity is there for me to leave the country of my parents?
— Confucianism · Analects, 18.2, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
Virtuous, he is free from anxieties; wise, he is free from perplexities; bold, he is free from fear.
— Confucianism · Analects, 14.30, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
The virtuous will be sure to speak correctly, but those whose speech is good may not always be virtuous. Men of principle are sure to be bold, but those who are bold may not always be men of principle.
— Confucianism · Analects, 14.5, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
Let every man consider virtue as what devolves on himself. He may not yield the performance of it even to his teacher.
— Confucianism · Analects, 15.35, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
What is called a great minister, is one who serves his prince according to what is right, and when he finds he cannot do so, retires.
— Confucianism · Analects, 11.23, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
Verily, man's lot is cast amid destruction, Save those who believe and do the things which be right, and enjoin truth and enjoin stedfastness on each other.
The man of virtue makes the difficulty to be overcome his first business, and success only a subsequent consideration;-- this may be called perfect virtue.
— Confucianism · Analects, 6.20, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
Those whose strength is insufficient give over in the middle of the way but now you limit yourself.
— Confucianism · Analects, 6.10, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
He acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions.
— Confucianism · Analects, 2.13, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
To have faults and not to reform them,-- this, indeed, should be pronounced having faults.
— Confucianism · Analects, 15.29, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
Gentle force, soft over hard
True power flows from restraint, softness, and yielding — not from force, boasting, or domination.
23 passages · 3 traditions
A skilful (commander) strikes a decisive blow, and stops. He does not dare (by continuing his operations) to assert and complete his mastery. He will strike the blow, but will be on his guard against being vain or boastful or arrogant in consequence of it. He strikes it as a matter of necessity; he strikes it, but not from a wish for mastery.
I have three precious things which I prize and hold fast. The first is gentleness; the second is economy; and the third is shrinking from taking precedence of others. With that gentleness I can be bold; with that economy I can be liberal; shrinking from taking precedence of others, I can become a vessel of the highest honour.
The softest thing in the world dashes against and overcomes the hardest; that which has no (substantial) existence enters where there is no crevice. I know hereby what advantage belongs to doing nothing (with a purpose).
The soft overcomes the hard; and the weak the strong.
There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water, and yet for attacking things that are firm and strong there is nothing that can take precedence of it. Every one in the world knows that the soft overcomes the hard, and the weak the strong, but no one is able to carry it out in practice.
meekness is a thing unconquerable, if it be true and natural, and not affected or hypocritical. For how shall even the most fierce and malicious that thou shalt conceive, be able to hold on against thee, if thou shalt still continue meek and loving unto him?
— Stoicism · Meditations, 11.XVI, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
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Man at his birth is supple and weak; at his death, firm and strong. (So it is with) all things. Trees and plants, in their early growth, are soft and brittle; at their death, dry and withered. Thus it is that firmness and strength are the concomitants of death; softness and weakness, the concomitants of life.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Matthew.Matthew 5:5, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗
Gentleness is sure to be victorious even in battle, and firmly to maintain its ground. Heaven will save its possessor, by his (very) gentleness protecting him.
He is free from self-display, and therefore he shines; from self-assertion, and therefore he is distinguished; from self-boasting, and therefore his merit is acknowledged; from self-complacency, and therefore he acquires superiority. It is because he is thus free from striving that therefore no one in the world is able to strive with him.
There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war. To do that is near losing (the gentleness) which is so precious. Thus it is that when opposing weapons are (actually) crossed, he who deplores (the situation) conquers.
He who is skilful in managing the life entrusted to him for a time travels on the land without having to shun rhinoceros or tiger, and enters a host without having to avoid buff coat or sharp weapon. The rhinoceros finds no place in him into which to thrust its horn, nor the tiger a place in which to fix its claws, nor the weapon a place to admit its point. And for what reason? Because there is in him no place of death.
He who has killed multitudes of men should weep for them with the bitterest grief; and the victor in battle has his place (rightly) according to those rites.
Thus it is that dignity finds its (firm) root in its (previous) meanness, and what is lofty finds its stability in the lowness (from which it rises). Hence princes and kings call themselves 'Orphans,' 'Men of small virtue,' and as 'Carriages without a nave.' Is not this an acknowledgment that in their considering themselves mean they see the foundation of their dignity?
The perception of what is small is (the secret of) clear-sightedness; the guarding of what is soft and tender is (the secret of) strength.
Those sharp weapons are instruments of evil omen, and not the instruments of the superior man;--he uses them only on the compulsion of necessity. Calm and repose are what he prizes; victory (by force of arms) is to him undesirable. To consider this desirable would be to delight in the slaughter of men; and he who delights in the slaughter of men cannot get his will in the kingdom.
Though he has his place above them, men do not feel his weight, nor though he has his place before them, do they feel it an injury to them. Therefore all in the world delight to exalt him and do not weary of him. Because he does not strive, no one finds it possible to strive with him.
Gravity is the root of lightness; stillness, the ruler of movement.
Therefore the sage puts his own person last, and yet it is found in the foremost place; he treats his person as if it were foreign to him, and yet that person is preserved. Is it not because he has no personal and private ends, that therefore such ends are realised?
— Taoism · Tao Te Ching, 1-8.7, tr. James Legge, 1891 ↗
The female always overcomes the male by her stillness. Stillness may be considered (a sort of) abasement.
Hence he who (relies on) the strength of his forces does not conquer; and a tree which is strong will fill the out-stretched arms, (and thereby invites the feller.) Therefore the place of what is firm and strong is below, and that of what is soft and weak is above.
They who preserve this method of the Tao do not wish to be full (of themselves). It is through their not being full of themselves that they can afford to seem worn and not appear new and complete.
The violent and strong do not die their natural death. I will make this the basis of my teaching.
Facing blame and scorn unmoved
Courage in the face of mockery, false accusation, and social pressure — neither silenced nor embittered.
19 passages · 4 traditions
They blame him who sits silent, they blame him who speaks much, they also blame him who says little; there is no one on earth who is not blamed.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 17.v.227, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
To lead an uninstructed people to war, is to throw them away.
— Confucianism · Analects, 13.30, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
To you be your religion; to me my religion.
And endure what they say with patience, and depart from them with a decorous departure.
— Qur’an · Qur'an, 73.73:10, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗
Will any contemn me? let him look to that, upon what grounds he does it: my care shall be that I may never be found either doing or speaking anything that doth truly deserve contempt. Will any hate me? let him look to that. I for my part will be kind and loving unto all.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 11.XII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
And bear in mind when Abraham said to his father and to his people, 'Verily I am clear of what ye worship, Save Him who hath created me; for he will vouchsafe me guidance.' And this he established as a doctrine that should abide among his posterity, that to God might they be turned.
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Await then with patience the judgments of thy Lord, and obey not the wicked among them and the unbelieving.
Save those who believe and do good works, and oft remember God; And who defend themselves when unjustly treated. But they who treat them unjustly shall find out what a lot awaiteth them.
— Qur’an · Qur'an, 26.26:227, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗
They said, 'It cannot harm us, for to our Lord shall we return: Assuredly we trust that our Lord will forgive us our sins, since we are of the first who believe.'
Him I call indeed a Brahmana who is tolerant with the intolerant, mild with fault-finders, and free from passion among the passionate.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 26.v.406, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
Silently shall I endure abuse as the elephant in battle endures the arrow sent from the bow: for the world is ill-natured.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 23.v.320, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
And they who bear not witness to that which is false, and when they pass by frivolous sport, pass on with dignity.
— Qur’an · Qur'an, 25.25:72, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗
Turn aside evil with that which is better: we best know what they utter against thee.
— Qur’an · Qur'an, 23.23:96, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗
I will not thrust away those who believe, For I am only one charged with plain warnings.
Let death surprise me when it will, and where it will, I may be εὔμοιρος, or a happy man, nevertheless. For he is a happy man, who in his lifetime dealeth unto himself a happy lot and portion. A happy lot and portion is, good inclinations of the soul, good desires, good actions.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 5.XXX, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
The sinners indeed laugh the faithful to scorn: And when they pass by them they wink at one another,- And when they return to their own people, they return jesting, And when they see them they say, 'These are the erring ones.' And yet they have no mission to be their guardians.
— Qur’an · Qur'an, 83-69.83:29-33, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗
Give not place, therefore, to those who treat thee as a liar: They desire thee to deal smoothly with them: then would they be smooth as oil with thee.
— Qur’an · Qur'an, 68.68:8-9, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗
The brilliant chariots of kings are destroyed, the body also approaches destruction, but the virtue of good people never approaches destruction,--thus do the good say to the good.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 11.v.151, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
Life is easy to live for a man who is without shame, a crow hero, a mischief-maker, an insulting, bold, and wretched fellow. But life is hard to live for a modest man, who always looks for what is pure, who is disinterested, quiet, spotless, and intelligent.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 18.v.244–245, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
Virtue enduring through darkness
Steadfast goodness that holds through temptation, suffering, hardship, and even the approach of death.
23 passages · 7 traditions
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Psalms.Psalms 23:4, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗
Earnest among the thoughtless, awake among the sleepers, the wise man advances like a racer, leaving behind the hack.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 2.v.29, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, 1 John.1 John 3:16, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗
Wherefore as soon as we had heard 'the guidance' we believed in it; and whoever believeth in his Lord, need not fear either loss or wrong.
— Qur’an · Qur'an, 72.72:13, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Psalms.Psalms 27:1, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗
From Claudius Maximus, in all things to endeavour to have power of myself, and in nothing to be carried about; to be cheerful and courageous in all sudden chances and accidents, as in sicknesses: to love mildness, and moderation, and gravity: and to do my business, whatsoever it be, thoroughly, and without querulousness.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 1.XII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
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But he who shall have done the things that are right and is a believer, shall fear neither wrong nor loss.
— Qur’an · Qur'an, 20.20:112, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, James.James 1:12, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, 1 John.1 John 5:4, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗
one whose wisdom exceeds his deeds, to what may he be compared? To a tree whose branches are numerous but whose roots are few, so that when the wind comes, it uproots it and overturns it… But one whose deeds exceed his wisdom, to what may he be compared? To a tree whose branches are few but roots are many, so that even if all the winds in the world come and blow upon it, they cannot move it out of its place.
— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 3.3:17, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗
Like a well-trained horse when touched by the whip, be ye active and lively, and by faith, by virtue, by energy, by meditation, by discernment of the law you will overcome this great pain (of reproof), perfect in knowledge and in behaviour, and never forgetful.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 10.v.144, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
Wait thou patiently the judgment of thy Lord, for thou art in our eye; and celebrate the praise of thy Lord when thou risest up, And in the night-season: Praise him when the stars are setting.
Do not ever conceive anything impossible to man, which by thee cannot, or not without much difficulty be effected; but whatsoever in general thou canst conceive possible and proper unto any man, think that very possible unto thee also.
— Stoicism · Meditations, 6.XVIII, tr. George Long, 1862 ↗
Not in the sky, not in the midst of the sea, not if we enter into the clefts of the mountains, is there known a spot in the whole world where death could not overcome (the mortal).
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 9.v.128, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
The Awakened call patience the highest penance, long-suffering the highest Nirvana; for he is not an anchorite (pravragita) who strikes others, he is not an ascetic (sramana) who insults others.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 14.v.184, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
Finally, this is better, that one do His own task as he may, even though he fail, Than take tasks not his own, though they seem good. To die performing duty is no ill; But who seeks other roads shall wander still.
— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 2.Chapter III, near end, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗
Let a man avoid evil deeds, as a merchant, if he has few companions and carries much wealth, avoids a dangerous road; as a man who loves life avoids poison.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 9.v.123, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
The brilliant chariots of kings are destroyed, the body also approaches destruction, but the virtue of good people never approaches destruction,--thus do the good say to the good.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 11.v.151, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Proverbs.Proverbs 24:16, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗
Bad deeds, and deeds hurtful to ourselves, are easy to do; what is beneficial and good, that is very difficult to do.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 12.v.163, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
By rousing himself, by earnestness, by restraint and control, the wise man may make for himself an island which no flood can overwhelm.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 2.v.25, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
keep a distance from an evil neighbor, do not become attached to the wicked, and do not abandon faith in [divine] retribution.
— Rabbinic Judaism · Pirkei Avot, 1.1:7, tr. Sefaria (CC-BY), 2024 ↗
When internal examination discovers nothing wrong, what is there to be anxious about, what is there to fear?
— Confucianism · Analects, 12.4, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
The cost of righteous action
Doing what duty and virtue demand, knowing it is difficult, incomplete, or may come at great personal cost.
19 passages · 5 traditions
I would not have him to act with me, who will unarmed attack a tiger, or cross a river without a boat, dying without any regret. My associate must be the man who proceeds to action full of solicitude, who is fond of adjusting his plans, and then carries them into execution.
— Confucianism · Analects, 7.10, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
The superior man holds righteousness to be of highest importance. A man in a superior situation, having valour without righteousness, will be guilty of insubordination; one of the lower people having valour without righteousness, will commit robbery.
— Confucianism · Analects, 17.23, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
Therefore, arise, thou Son of Kunti! brace Thine arm for conflict, nerve thy heart to meet-- As things alike to thee--pleasure or pain, Profit or ruin, victory or defeat: So minded, gird thee to the fight, for so Thou shalt not sin!
— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 1.Chapter II, the call to equanimity in action, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗
By Me they fall--not thee! the stroke of death is dealt them now, Even as they show thus gallantly; My instrument art thou!
— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 10.Chapter 10, Krishna's response to Arjuna, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗
A man is not just if he carries a matter by violence; no, he who distinguishes both right and wrong, who is learned and leads others, not by violence, but by law and equity, and who is guarded by the law and intelligent, he is called just.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 19.v.256–257, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
What the wise choose The unwise people take; what best men do The multitude will follow.
— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 2.Chapter III, middle section, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗
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There is the love of being benevolent without the love of learning;-- the beclouding here leads to a foolish simplicity. There is the love of knowing without the love of learning;-- the beclouding here leads to dissipation of mind. There is the love of being sincere without the love of learning;-- the beclouding here leads to an injurious disregard of consequences. There is the love of straightforwardness without the love of learning;-- the beclouding here leads to rudeness. There is the love of boldness without the love of learning;-- the beclouding here leads to insubordination. There is the love of firmness without the love of learning;-- the beclouding here leads to extravagant conduct.
— Confucianism · Analects, 17.8, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
— Confucianism · Analects, 14.29, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
Respectfulness, without the rules of propriety, becomes laborious bustle; carefulness, without the rules of propriety, becomes timidity; boldness, without the rules of propriety, becomes insubordination; straightforwardness, without the rules of propriety, becomes rudeness.
— Confucianism · Analects, 8.2, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
Yet he attempted not the steep. And who shall teach thee what the steep is? It is to ransom the captive, Or to feed in the day of famine, The orphan who is near of kin, or the poor that lieth in the dust.
— Qur’an · Qur'an, 90-80.90:11-16, tr. J. M. Rodwell, 1861 ↗
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
— Hebrew & Christian Bible · Bible, Proverbs.Proverbs 16:32, tr. King James Version (1611/1769), 1611 ↗
All men tremble at punishment, all men fear death; remember that you are like unto them, and do not kill, nor cause slaughter.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 10.v.129, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
Fearlessness, singleness of soul, the will / Always to strive for wisdom; opened hand / And governed appetites; and piety, / And love of lonely study; humbleness, / Uprightness, heed to injure nought which lives, / Truthfulness, slowness unto wrath, a mind / That lightly letteth go what others prize; / And equanimity, and charity / Which spieth no man's faults; and tenderness / Towards all that suffer; a contented heart, / Fluttered by no desires; a bearing mild, / Modest, and grave, with manhood nobly mixed, / With patience, fortitude, and purity; / An unrevengeful spirit, never given / To rate itself too high;--such be the signs, / O Indian Prince! of him whose feet are set / On that fair path which leads to heavenly birth!
— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 15.XVI, opening, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗
Intellect, skill, enlightenment, endurance, self-control, Truthfulness, equability, and grief or joy of soul, And birth and death, and fearfulness, and fearlessness, and shame, And honour, and sweet harmlessness, and peace which is the same Whate'er befalls, and mirth, and tears, and piety, and thrift, And wish to give, and will to help,--all cometh of My gift!
— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 9.Chapter X, opening section, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗
Fine words, an insinuating appearance, and excessive respect — Tso Ch'iu-ming was ashamed of them. I also am ashamed of them. To conceal resentment against a person, and appear friendly with him — Tso Ch'iu-ming was ashamed of such conduct. I also am ashamed of it.
— Confucianism · Analects, 5.24, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗
He shall not fall in sin who fronts the task Set him by Nature's hand! Let no man leave His natural duty, Prince! though it bear blame!
— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 17.Chapter XVIII, late section, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗
When Righteousness Declines, O Bharata! when Wickedness Is strong, I rise, from age to age, and take Visible shape, and move a man with men, Succouring the good, thrusting the evil back, And setting Virtue on her seat again.
— Hinduism · Bhagavad Gita, 3.Chapter IV, early section, tr. Edwin Arnold, 1885 ↗
If anything is to be done, let a man do it, let him attack it vigorously! A careless pilgrim only scatters the dust of his passions more widely.
— Buddhism · Dhammapada, 22.v.313, tr. F. Max Müller, 1881 ↗
In serving his parents, a son may remonstrate with them, but gently; when he sees that they do not incline to follow his advice, he shows an increased degree of reverence, but does not abandon his purpose; and should they punish him, he does not allow himself to murmur.
— Confucianism · Analects, 4.18, tr. James Legge, 1893 ↗