Courage

A miracle happened instead of a tragedy when Chesley Sullenberger, pilot of US Airways Flight 1549 safely landed on the Hudson River, after both engines went out due to a flock of birds, thereby saving the lives of 150 people.


The pilot ‘Sully’ had courage, a vital attribute. The dictionary defines courage as : ’the state of quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger with self-possession, confidence and resolution.’ Actually the word, courage comes from the old English word, ’corage’ which means heart as the seat of feeling. Thus in the heart is where courage gets its start.


That thing called courage has a historical background. One philosopher warned that true courage is not the brutal force of vulgar heroes, but the firm resolve of virtue and reason. Another pointed out that the courage that grows from constitution, often forsakes a man when he needs it, but courage which arises from a sense of duty acts in a uniform manner.


The late President, John F. Kennedy once said: “The courage of life is often a less dramatic spectacle than the courage of a final moment, it is no less than a magnificent mixture of triumph and tragedy. A man does what he must…in spite of personal consequences ,…in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures...and that is the basis of all human morality.” And the late Lyndon B, Johnson commented: “I’d rather give my life than be afraid to give it”.


You can start on the road toward courage in several ways: Say positive things about yourself, accept sincere compliments about yourself, express your opinions freely and honestly. Respect others views and they’ll respect yours.


The great lesson all of us should learn from this near tragedy is that friendship is about the cement that will hold the world together. It seems that love, sympathy, compassion and feelings of genuine brotherhood surface at such a time.