Book 3 / Chapter 7
Paragraph 2 - Courage and Its Extremes
Explanation - Part By Part
"Of those who go to excess he who exceeds in fearlessness has no name (we have said previously that many states of character have no names), but he would be a sort of madman or insensible person if he feared nothing, neither earthquakes nor the waves, as they say the Celts do not;"
Aristotle is pointing out that, just as cowardice is an extreme in the direction of excessive fear, there is also an opposite extreme: someone who has no fear at all. However, there isn’t a proper name for this kind of person. He describes such individuals as so excessively fearless that they seem like madmen or fools, completely detached from reality. For example, someone who has no fear of natural disasters, like earthquakes or massive waves (here, he seems to reference a stereotype of the Celts as fearless in such situations), would fall into this category. Essentially, Aristotle views this kind of fearlessness as unnatural and irrational because fear, in the right amount, is a necessary and rational response to danger.
"while the man who exceeds in confidence about what really is terrible is rash. The rash man, however, is also thought to be boastful and only a pretender to courage; at all events, as the brave man is with regard to what is terrible, so the rash man wishes to appear; and so he imitates him in situations where he can."
This part is making an important point about the difference between genuine courage and false displays of bravery. Aristotle says that a person who is overly confident about things that are truly dangerous is considered "rash." Someone who is rash acts as though they are fearless, but they lack the proper understanding of what should actually be feared and how to handle it with the right balance of emotion and action.
Aristotle emphasizes that the rash person is not genuinely brave but pretends to be. They try to imitate the actions of someone who is courageous, especially in situations where they can put on a show of confidence. However, this is just surface-level behavior. Their actions do not come from the deeper, virtuous character of the truly brave person, who faces fear for the right reasons and in the right way. The rash person, by contrast, wants to seem brave rather than actually be brave. This makes them boastful or arrogant—claiming qualities they don't truly possess.
In essence, Aristotle is warning us not to confuse loud or exaggerated displays of confidence with genuine courage, which comes from thoughtful balance and moral purpose.
"Hence also most of them are a mixture of rashness and cowardice; for, while in these situations they display confidence, they do not hold their ground against what is really terrible."
What Aristotle is saying here is that many people who are rash—those who act overly confident in dangerous or risky situations—are actually a combination of two extremes: rashness (reckless bravery) and cowardice (excessive fear). In certain moments, they might display confidence and act as though they are fearless, but this confidence is often shallow or performative. When they are truly confronted with situations that are genuinely terrifying or deeply challenging, they fail to hold their ground and retreat. In essence, their supposed bravery is not genuine; it lacks the steadiness and resolve of true courage.
"The man who exceeds in fear is a coward; for he fears both what he ought not and as he ought not, and all the similar characterizations attach to him. He is lacking also in confidence; but he is more conspicuous for his excess of fear in painful situations."
Aristotle is explaining that a coward is someone who not only fears the wrong things—things that shouldn't cause fear—but also fears in a way or to a degree that is inappropriate. This kind of person lacks confidence in their ability to handle challenges. What stands out most about cowards, however, is their overwhelming fear when faced with difficult or painful situations. Essentially, a coward lets fear dominate them, even when it’s unnecessary or unhelpful.
"The coward, then, is a despairing sort of person; for he fears everything."
Aristotle is saying that a coward is someone who consistently gives in to fear and lacks the confidence to face challenges or dangers. This excessive fear isn't limited to genuinely dangerous situations but extends to almost everything, making the coward overwhelmed and hopeless. Their mindset is rooted in despair because their constant fear makes them believe they can't handle or overcome obstacles in life. This contrasts with a brave person, who faces fears appropriately and with confidence, showing a balanced and hopeful outlook.
"The brave man, on the other hand, has the opposite disposition; for confidence is the mark of a hopeful disposition."
In this part, Aristotle contrasts the brave man with the coward by highlighting the virtue of confidence. The brave person displays confidence because it stems from a hopeful and realistic view of the situation. Unlike the coward, who is overwhelmed by fear and lacks this sense of hope, the brave man approaches challenges with calm determination. His confidence isn't reckless or unfounded but is guided by rational judgment and an understanding of what deserves courage. This sense of confidence reflects an inner balance, where fear and confidence are directed appropriately to what is genuinely worthy of concern or trust. It reflects a healthy, virtuous outlook.
"The coward, the rash man, and the brave man, then, are concerned with the same objects but are differently disposed towards them; for the first two exceed and fall short, while the third holds the middle, which is the right, position; and rash men are precipitate, and wish for dangers beforehand but draw back when they are in them, while brave men are keen in the moment of action, but quiet beforehand."
Aristotle is comparing three personality types—the coward, the rash person, and the brave person—when it comes to how they react to fear and danger. All three are dealing with the same types of situations (things that inspire fear or require courage), but their reactions differ based on their disposition. Here's the breakdown:
1. The coward: The coward overreacts to fear. They avoid danger at all costs, fearing things they shouldn't or more than is appropriate. A coward often gives up hope and doesn't feel confident in their ability to face challenges.
2. The rash person: The rash individual goes to the opposite extreme. They pretend to be fearless, maybe even seeking danger unnecessarily. However, this confidence is shallow; when things get genuinely tough, they often retreat or fail to stand firm. They aren’t truly brave—just impulsive or boastful about their supposed courage.
3. The brave person: The brave person occupies what Aristotle calls the "middle" position, practicing moderation. They neither avoid danger too much nor seek it out unnecessarily. Brave individuals remain calm and composed leading up to dangerous moments but act decisively and effectively when the real challenge arises. They are courageous at the right time and in the right way.
Key idea: True courage is about balance. The coward and the rash person go to unhealthy extremes, while the brave person finds the "golden mean"—a reasoned and virtuous approach to fear and danger.