Book 3 / Chapter 7
Paragraph 1 - The Nature of Courage and Fear
Explanation - Part By Part
"What is terrible is not the same for all men; but we say there are things terrible even beyond human strength. These, then, are terrible to every one- at least to every sensible man; but the terrible things that are not beyond human strength differ in magnitude and degree, and so too do the things that inspire confidence."
Aristotle is pointing out here that what people consider "terrible" or frightening isn't the same for everyone. However, there are some things—like catastrophes or overwhelming forces—that are universally terrifying to all rational individuals because they exceed human strength or ability to cope. On the other hand, fears about things that are within human capacity to handle (like certain physical dangers, risks, or challenges) vary greatly depending on their intensity or scale, just as the situations that give people confidence vary in similar ways. Essentially, our fears and sources of courage depend on the context and how "humanly manageable" the situation is.
"Now the brave man is as dauntless as man may be. Therefore, while he will fear even the things that are not beyond human strength, he will face them as he ought and as the rule directs, for honour's sake; for this is the end of virtue."
Aristotle is saying that a truly brave person, while as steadfast as a human can be, is not completely free from fear. Even brave individuals will experience fear when facing challenging situations that are within the limits of human capacity. However, what sets the brave person apart is how they face these fears. The brave person approaches such situations as they should—in the proper way, at the proper time, and with self-control. Most importantly, they do so guided by honor because striving for moral excellence (virtue) ultimately aims at actions that are honorable and noble. For Aristotle, the ultimate goal of bravery isn’t just surviving or avoiding fear—it’s acting virtuously with integrity and dignity.
"But it is possible to fear these more, or less, and again to fear things that are not terrible as if they were. Of the faults that are committed one consists in fearing what one should not, another in fearing as we should not, another in fearing when we should not, and so on; and so too with respect to the things that inspire confidence."
Aristotle is pointing out that people can go wrong in how they experience fear and confidence in several ways. First, someone might fear things that don't even deserve to be feared (fearing what one should not). For example, being overly anxious about something trivial, like a minor inconvenience in daily life, is misaligned with what truly matters.
Second, someone might fear in the wrong way (fearing as we should not). This could mean overreacting or becoming paralyzed with fear in situations where some calmness and rationality are required.
Third, someone might fear at the wrong time (fearing when we should not), for example, panicking too soon when nothing has actually gone wrong yet or holding onto anxiety when it’s no longer necessary.
Aristotle emphasizes that the same mistakes apply to confidence too—misplacing it, overdoing it, or expressing it at inappropriate times. Essentially, both fear and confidence need to be carefully balanced, guided by reason, and applied appropriately to the situation at hand.
"The man, then, who faces and who fears the right things and from the right motive, in the right way and from the right time, and who feels confidence under the corresponding conditions, is brave; for the brave man feels and acts according to the merits of the case and in whatever way the rule directs."
Aristotle is saying that true bravery lies in finding the right balance when dealing with fear and confidence. A brave person knows what to fear and face, and does so for the right reasons. They also know how to respond appropriately—they don’t overreact or act recklessly—and they understand the right time to act. Essentially, courage is about acting wisely and proportionally, not just boldly charging into danger without thought. A brave person aligns their emotions and actions with reason and a sense of honor, rather than letting fear or impulsiveness dictate their behavior.
"Now the end of every activity is conformity to the corresponding state of character. This is true, therefore, of the brave man as well as of others. But courage is noble. Therefore the end also is noble; for each thing is defined by its end. Therefore it is for a noble end that the brave man endures and acts as courage directs."
Aristotle is saying here that every action or activity is essentially connected to the kind of character a person has. In other words, our actions naturally align with the virtues or traits we embody. This principle applies to bravery as well: a truly brave person will act in a way that reflects their virtuous character.
He goes on to emphasize that courage, in particular, is inherently noble. Because courage is noble by its nature, the purpose or goal (the "end") of courageous actions must also be noble. In essence, courage isn’t just about facing danger or enduring hardship for any random reason—it is done for a higher purpose, something good and honorable. So, when a brave person endures difficulties or acts courageously, they do so with the intention of achieving something noble and virtuous.
This ties into Aristotle's broader ethical framework—the idea that virtues ultimately aim at the "greater good" or the fulfillment of human flourishing (eudaimonia). Courage, then, serves an elevated, moral purpose rather than being mere fearlessness or recklessness.