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 one without the other. By physical courage we mean the courage to face danger to the body-pain, wounds, or death. By moral courage we mean the courage to face ridicule, public disapproval and hatred for the sake of what we believe to be right. A soldier, who can face unflinchingly bayonets and shells, may be unable to face the laughter of his companions; he is a moral coward. And there are men who dare to defy public opinion for conscience sake who are cravens in the face of physical pain; they are morally brave, but physically cowards.
It often takes a lot of moral courage to tell the truth, if a boy at school has done something wrong and is hauled up before at school has done something wrong and is hauled up before the headmaster, he is tempted to tell a lie to 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 man but brave towards God. He means that a moral coward is more afraid of offending men, than of offending God by telling a lie.
It is sometimes our unpleasant duty to tell a friend plainly about his faults. We shrink from doing this; because we are afraid our friend will be angry with us and perhaps breaks ff the friendship. So, while we disapprove of his conduct, we say nothing, and pretend we do not mind. This also is moral cowardice. A true and moral brave friend will do his duty, whatever the consequences.
It is very unpleasant to be laughed at, especially by people whom 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 say it, in site of ridicule, we are morally brave.
Indeed it takes a great deal of moral courage to stand alone, to go against public opinion, to rouse opposition, contempt and hatred y daring to do what is right. The political speaker that tells the public unpleasant truths, the statesman who rings in necessary and just but unpopular measures, the prophet who proclaims his message to an unfriendly world, are all men of oral courage.
Physical cowardice may be a nervous weakness; but moral cowardice is a fault.