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Quotes about courage

191 quotes from 139 people

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I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.
Louisa May Alcott1832–1888Little Women (1868–1869), Part Second, Chapter XLIVIn context
The world breaks every one and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry.
Ernest Hemingway1899–1961A Farewell to Arms (1929), Book IV, Chapter XXXIVIn context
- Life & Death
“It is hard to be brave,” said Piglet, sniffing slightly, “when you’re only a Very Small Animal.”
A. A. Milne1882–1956Winnie-the-Pooh (1926), Chapter VIIIn context
There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. True courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty.
L. Frank Baum1856–1919The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900), Chapter XVIn context
- Fear
It was the old New York way of taking life “without effusion of blood”: the way of people who dreaded scandal more than disease, who placed decency above courage, and who considered that nothing was more ill-bred than “scenes,” except the behaviour of those who gave rise to them.
Edith Wharton1862–1937The Age of Innocence (1920), Book II, Chapter XXXIIIIn context
- Character
The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth.
Kate Chopin1850–1904The Awakening (1899), Chapter XXVIIIn context
- Freedom
I dare do all that may become a man;
Who dares do more is none.
William Shakespeare1564–1616Macbeth (c. 1606), Act I, Scene VII, spoken by MacbethIn context
- Men
Conscience is but a word that cowards use,
Devised at first to keep the strong in awe.
Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law.
William Shakespeare1564–1616Richard III (c. 1593), Act V, Scene III, spoken by King RichardIn context
- Morality
- Power
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more,
Or close the wall up with our English dead.
In peace there’s nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility;
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger;
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood
William Shakespeare1564–1616Henry V (1599), Act III, Scene I, spoken by King HenryIn context
- War & Peace
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.
William Shakespeare1564–1616Henry V (1599), Act IV, Scene III, spoken by King HenryIn context
- Friendship
- War & Peace
What say you? It is useless? Ay, I know
But who fights ever hoping for success?
I fought for lost cause, and for fruitless quest!
Edmond Rostand1868–1918Cyrano de Bergerac (1897), Act V: Cyrano’s Gazette, Scene VI, spoken by CyranoIn context
- Failure
I know you now, old enemies of mine!
Falsehood!
Have at you! Ha! and Compromise!
Prejudice, Treachery!…
Surrender, I?
Parley? No, never! You too, Folly,⁠—you?
I know that you will lay me low at last;
Let be! Yet I fall fighting, fighting still!
Edmond Rostand1868–1918Cyrano de Bergerac (1897), Act V: Cyrano’s Gazette, Scene VI, spoken by CyranoIn context
- Enemies
Rise like Lions after slumber
In unvanquishable number,
Shake your chains to earth like dew
Which in sleep had fallen on you⁠—
Ye are many⁠—they are few.
Percy Bysshe Shelley1792–1822The Masque of Anarchy (1819)In context
- Freedom
The boy stood on the burning deck
Whence all but him had fled;
The flame that lit the battle’s wreck,
Shone round him o’er the dead.
Felicia Hemans1793–1835Casabianca (1826)In context
- War & Peace
“Shoot, if you must, this old gray head,
But spare your country’s flag,” she said.
John Greenleaf Whittier1807–1892Barbara Frietchie (1863)In context
- Patriotism