Courage

The popular image of courage in the U.S. is wrapped up with militaristic nationalism. Sentimentalism about men and women who train to kill in the name of "national defense" has become a popular media staple. When in doubt about your ratings, cover something to do with veterans or a war zone. 

The motivation for military service for many in the volunteer army is based in poor education, family dysfunction and generational poverty. Their motivation for joining the military is desperation, not courage or self-sacrifice. This is an old human story. Those in power shamelessly peddle military service and elevate it to altruism, when they are cynically exploiting the lower classes to fight for their security and profits. 

In my experience, it takes great courage to live a responsible and nonviolent life. To turn away from violence and hatred takes courage. To suffer the indignity heaped on the peaceful who stand up for nonviolence takes courage. To leave the world a better place for every human being without exploiting others takes courage. 

As a humanist, I take encouragement from the humble, those who lead simple lives of responsibility to themselves, their fellow human beings and their environment. These courageous people are not celebrities or war heroes. They staff convenience stores and retail stores. They pick crops and lay bricks. They bag groceries and wait on tables. They are truly the best of humankind.