The Art of Manliness The Perils and Powers of Cowardice
Dec 13, 2021
Chris Walsh, author of "Cowardice: A Brief History," joins the conversation to redefine cowardice as a pivotal aspect of human behavior. He reveals how society's disdain for cowardice can motivate people to act, particularly in military contexts where it was once punishable by death. Walsh discusses philosophical insights from thinkers like Socrates and Aristotle, the historical neglect of cowardice, and how its stigma can shape moral judgment. He emphasizes the importance of confronting fear and uses Dante's journey to highlight growth through understanding cowardice.
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Cowardice as a Motivator
- Cowardice, despite being less studied than courage, is a powerful motivator.
- The fear of being seen as a coward can drive people to act, sometimes even more than the desire to be courageous.
Philosophical Avoidance of Cowardice
- Philosophers have historically avoided in-depth discussions of cowardice, despite its significance.
- Socrates, Dante, and Kierkegaard all touched upon cowardice but ultimately dismissed it as a topic of extended discussion.
Defining Cowardice
- Cowardice involves a failure to act due to excessive fear, according to Aristotle.
- This definition includes a spectrum of fear, with excessive fear being cowardice and excessive confidence being recklessness.
