An Ancient Secret To Calmness And Courage Has Been Revealed
- 11.11.2026, 17:39
There are several important components.
The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates believed that true courage lies not in the absence of fear, but in the ability to understand what is truly worth fearing. His views were shaped not only by philosophical discussions: Socrates participated in at least three military campaigns and became famous for his exceptional composure even on the battlefield. Psychiatrist and philosopher Neil Burton examines this story and its significance for modern life in the magazine Psychology Today (translation by Charter97.org).
In 424 B.C., the Athenian army suffered a defeat at Delium. As the soldiers retreated in panic, Socrates calmly walked off the battlefield. According to the recollections of the commander Alcibiades, who observed the retreat, the enemy did not attack the philosopher but chose instead to pursue the fleeing soldiers.
In Plato’s dialogue *Lachetes*, Socrates explained that courage is not merely the ability to face danger head-on, but the wisdom to understand whether it is worth confronting. A person may not feel fear due to recklessness or ignorance of the real threat.
Another important component of courage is fidelity to one’s own convictions. In 399 B.C., the philosopher was sentenced to death, but he refused to flee or renounce his views.
Socrates reasoned that death could be either a good or an evil, whereas injustice is unquestionably an evil. “It is better to suffer injustice than to commit it,” the philosopher explained.
Calmness and courage begin with an understanding of what truly has value, not with attempts to avoid any inconvenience or loss.
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