Existential Courage: Can We Enhance Our Bravery in the Face of Uncertainty?

Courage is often celebrated in stories of heroism, but it takes on a deeper meaning when seen through the lens of existentialism. Existential courage does not just mean facing physical danger; it also involves the resolve to confront the uncertainties of life. In this blog post, I will explore the true essence of courage, examine the nature of existential courage, discuss ways to cultivate it, and highlight inspiring real-life examples.

What Is Courage?

Courage is fundamentally defined as the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, or intimidation. While it is frequently romanticised in literature and film, the reality of courage is more nuanced. It can appear in several forms, including physical, moral, and emotional courage.

Physical Courage: This is the bravery shown in dangerous situations, like a firefighter who risks their life to save others from a burning building. A relevant statistic shows that 29,000 firefighters in the UK face these dangers annually.
Moral Courage: This form arises in circumstances where ethical decisions must be made, such as speaking out against injustice. For example, nearly 60% of people in surveys state they hesitate to challenge unethical colleagues due to fear of repercussions.
Emotional Courage: This involves being open and vulnerable, like sharing one's struggles with mental health. Research shows that 1 in 5 adults in the UK experience mental illness, highlighting the need for emotional bravery.

Ultimately, courage is about facing the unknown, regardless of the form it takes.

Existential Courage

Existential courage is a concept articulated by philosophers and psychologists. It refers to the bravery needed to confront the inherent uncertainties of life itself. Unlike traditional views that may focus on specific events or fears, existential courage encourages us to acknowledge our limitations and the unpredictability of existence.

This aspect of courage invites individuals to search for meaning in the face of absurdity and to engage fully with life. The recognition of these uncertainties can be liberating and allows individuals to live more authentically. Studies have shown that individuals who engage with the uncertainties of life report higher levels of fulfillment and purpose.

Can We Become More Courageous?

The potential to cultivate greater courage is a question worth exploring. While some individuals may appear naturally courageous, studies show that courage can be developed and strengthened over time.

Strategies for Developing Courage

To enhance your courage, consider these actionable strategies:

Self-Reflection: Utilise journalling or meditation to explore your fears and motivations. Understanding what holds you back is a vital step towards overcoming it.
Facing Fears Gradually: Start confronting smaller fears first. For instance, practice public speaking in front of a close friend before graduating to larger audiences.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with positive influences. Sharing experiences with supportive individuals can foster collective courage.
Embrace Discomfort: Seek experiences outside your comfort zone. Engaging in challenging situations can lead to significant personal growth.

Through practical steps and a deeper understanding of courage, we can become more adept not only in physical or moral courage but also in existential courage.

Examples of Existential Courage

Existential courage is often illustrated through remarkable examples. Here are a few that stand out:

1. Viktor Frankl

Viktor Frankl was a Psychiatrist, Philosopher, and Holocaust Survivor, who found meaning his personal suffering, and applied this insight into the development of a new branch of Psychotherapy, know as Logotherapy. Frankl's Logotherapy teaches that us that although we may not be able to change the circumstances that confront us, we retain the ability to choose our attitude towards our suffering.

2. Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela's fight against apartheid exemplifies existential courage. Despite being imprisoned for 27 years, he held onto his vision for a better future and later inspired a nation to overcome its challenges. His journey emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in one’s beliefs and value systems amid uncertainty.

3. Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is a powerful example of existential courage. After surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban in Afghanistan, she not only continued to advocate for girls' education but became a global symbol of the fight for education. Her determination to speak out against oppressive regimes showcases extraordinary bravery.

4. Climate Activists

Activists like Greta Thunberg embody existential courage as they confront the pressing climate crisis. They challenge societal norms and make personal sacrifices to advocate for urgent change. Their commitment highlights how existential courage can drive individuals, but just as important, they can drive movements for social change.

Embracing Courage in Uncertainty

Courage, especially existential courage, is a dynamic quality that can profoundly shape our experiences and choices in life. While not everyone is called to perform heroic acts, each of us has the capacity to enhance our courage when faced with life’s uncertainties.

By engaging in self-reflection, gradually confronting fears, and seeking supportive environments, we can learn to live more courageously. Existential courage urges us to face life’s challenges and embrace them, finding meaning in every experience—even the most difficult ones. So, when you encounter uncertainty, remember that having courage does not mean absence of fear; it means choosing to confront it.

This is the essence of Logotherapy. Should you wish to explore this further, or feel that this form of therapy may help you in some way, please do get in touch via the 'Contact Me' page on this website.

#courage #existentialcourage #existentialism #choices #resilience #hope #fears #challenges #bravery #meaning #logotherapy #scottpeddie #viktorfrankl #suffering #purpose