Meaning and Essay on “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear.” – Mark Twain

What is Courage?

Courage is often thought of as the ability to overcome fear, but according to Mark Twain, courage is actually the resistance to fear and mastery over it, not its absence. Courage does not mean that one has no fear; instead it means that one can face their fears and work through them in order to accomplish something important. This quote by Mark Twain highlights how courage is a more complex emotion than we often give it credit for.

The Meaning Behind “Courage Is Resistance To Fear”

Mark Twain’s quote suggests that true courage lies in resisting our initial instinctive reactions of fear when faced with a difficult situation or challenge. It takes strength and determination to push past these feelings of fear and uncertainty in order to do what needs to be done regardless of any potential risks or dangers involved. In this way, courage involves actively challenging ourselves rather than simply avoiding situations which may cause us distress or discomfort.

Mastery Of Fear: A Key Component Of Courage

According to Mark Twain, mastering our fears is an essential component of having true courage. Rather than running away from our fears or denying them altogether, he encourages us to confront them head on so that we can learn how best manage them going forward. By gaining control over our own emotions and reactions towards fearful situations we are better able equip ourselves with the tools necessary for success in life’s more challenging moments.

Conclusion: The True Definition Of Courage

At its core, courage involves facing your fears head-on while working hard at mastering those same fears so you can take action despite any potential risks involved. As such, it goes beyond just overcoming your initial instincts of self-preservation – although this certainly plays a part – but also requires actively engaging with whatever it is you are afraid of so you can become stronger overall as a result