Complete the text with the words from the box. Then press "Check" to mark your answers.
is to man opinion and nervous necessary tell us mean say for cowardice one whom
It is usual to speak of courage as of two kinds-physical courage and moral courage; and the distinction is sound, for a man can have without the other. By physical courage, we mean the courage to face danger to the body - pain, wounds, or death. By moral courage, we the courage to face ridicule, public disapproval and hatred for the sake of what we believe to be right. A soldier who can face bayonets shells unflinchingly may be unable to face the laughter of his companions; he is a moral coward. And some men dare to defy public opinion conscience's sake, who are cravens in the face of physical. pain; they are morally brave but physically cowards
It often takes much moral courage to the truth. If a boy at school has done something wrong and is had up before the headmaster, he is tempted to tell a lie shield himself. To do so is to be a moral coward. Lord Bacon says that a man who tells a lie is a coward towards but brave towards God. He means that a moral coward is more afraid of offending men than offending God by telling a lie.
Sometimes, it our unpleasant duty to tell a friend plainly about his faults. We shrink from doing this because we fear our friend will be angry with and perhaps break off the friendship. So, while we disapprove of his conduct, we say nothing and pretend we don't mind. This also is moral . A true and morally brave friend will do his duty, whatever the consequences9.
It is very unpleasant to be laughed at, especially by people we like and respect: but in some circumstances, we are sure to be ridiculed if we do or say what we think is right; and if we do or it, despite ridicule, we are morally brave.
Indeed, it takes a great deal of moral courage to stand alone, go against public , rouse opposition, contempt, and hatred by daring to do what is right. The political speaker that tells the unpleasant public truths, the statesman who brings in and just but unpopular measures, the prophet who proclaims his message to an unfriendly world are all men of moral courage.
Physical cowardice may be a weakness, but moral cowardice is a fault.