That man is not truly brave who is afraid either to seem or to be, when it suits him, a coward.
Interpretation
True bravery is not just about outward appearances; it also involves the ability to confront one's fear of being perceived as cowardly.
This quote by Edgar Allan Poe suggests that genuine courage requires a person to acknowledge and confront their own fears, particularly the fear of appearing cowardly. It emphasizes that someone who avoids acknowledging their vulnerabilities or acting in a way that might be considered cowardly, when appropriate, cannot be seen as truly brave, as they are defined by the opinions and perceptions of others, rather than by their own moral fortitude.
In practice
During a motivational speech about overcoming fears.
But evil things, in robes of sorrow, Assailed the monarch's high estate; (Ah, let us mourn, for never morrow Shall dawn upon him desolate!) And round about his home the glory That blushed and bloomed, Is but a dim-remembered story Of the old time entombed.
Most writers - poets in especial - prefer having it understood that they compose by a species of fine frenzy - an ecstatic intuition - and would positively shudder at letting the public take a peep behind the scenes.
...the agony of my soul found vent in one loud, long and final scream of despair.
Where the good and the bad and the worst and the best have gone to their eternal rest.
I could have clasped the red walls to my bosom as a garment of eternal peace. "Death," I said, "any death but that of the pit!" Fool! might I have not known that into the pit it was the object of the burning iron to urge me?
In our endeavors to recall to memory something long forgotten, we often find ourselves upon the very verge of remembrance, without being able, in the end, to remember.
If the Lord comes and burns - as you say he will - I am not going away; I am going to stay here and stand the fire, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! And Jesus will walk with me through the fire and keep me from harm.
Not taking a risk is a risk. That's how I see it.
Though are hands are chained like they are, they haven't taken music from us yet. So that's how I'll fight. People tell me don't quit like everyone else. I wont have no fear.
It is foolish to fear that which you cannot avoid. -Stultum est timere quod vitare non potes
Relapse is very dangerous. However, relapse can be a symptom of the disease. Sometimes there are multiple relapses before you get sober and stay sober.
The most important six inches on the battlefield is between your ears.
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