Book 3 / Chapter 7
Paragraph 3 - Courage as a Mean Between Extremes
Explanation - Part By Part
"As we have said, then, courage is a mean with respect to things that inspire confidence or fear, in the circumstances that have been stated; and it chooses or endures things because it is noble to do so, or because it is base not to do so."
Aristotle is explaining that courage lies in finding a balance (the mean) when facing situations that cause fear or inspire confidence. It's not about avoiding fear entirely or rushing recklessly into danger; rather, courage involves navigating these emotions in the right way, at the right time, and for the right reasons. A truly courageous person makes their choices or endures challenges because they believe it is honorable or morally right to do so, or because it would be dishonorable not to face these situations. Courage, then, is deeply tied to virtue and moral principles, not just bravery for its own sake.
"But to die to escape from poverty or love or anything painful is not the mark of a brave man, but rather of a coward; for it is softness to fly from what is troublesome, and such a man endures death not because it is noble but to fly from evil."
Aristotle is saying that choosing to die as a way to escape difficult situations, like poverty, heartbreak, or other forms of pain, is not an act of bravery. Instead, it shows a kind of weakness or avoidance of challenges. A truly brave person faces hardships directly because it is honorable to do so, not because they are trying to run away from discomfort or suffering. Dying to avoid pain doesn’t come from a sense of moral strength; it is more about giving in to fear or frustration, which makes it closer to cowardice than courage.