The Cowardly Lion

On the Nature of Courage

The Cowardly Lion believes himself to be without courage, yet throughout his journey he repeatedly confronts dangers from which he would rather flee.

It is curious that a creature should judge himself by what he feels rather than by what he does.

Perhaps courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it. Yet this raises another question: if a man acts courageously but continues to believe himself a coward, is he lacking courage, or merely the ability to recognize it?

And what of the man who feels no fear at all? Is he courageous, or has he simply never had to overcome anything within himself?

A Thought for the Reader

Consider whether courage is something we possess, something we demonstrate, or something others recognize in us.

Can a person be courageous without ever believing it of himself?

You are invited to keep your thoughts in your personal notes. There is no need to submit an answer. We may return to these questions and explore our interpretations together during our first Chandeliers Society meeting.