Courage is one of the most respected qualities in every culture. Courageous people are remembered across time as heroes—people who faced fear or danger and still moved forward. But what exactly is courage? And what is it not?

Philosophers have explored this for centuries, while psychologists—starting later—have mostly focused on fear rather than courage itself. Because of this, there is still no single, clear definition.

Many agree that courage means continuing to act with strength during danger or hardship. Some believe courage means having no fear at all, while others say it’s about acting even when you’re afraid.

Psychologist S. J. Rachman (1990) added to this discussion by saying courage includes three parts of fear: feeling it, understanding it, and still choosing to move through it.

But courage is not just about fear—it’s also about purpose. When you know why you are standing firm, your purpose becomes your anchor. That purpose gives your courage direction.

If we look at courage through the lens of the five elements, we can understand it even more deeply:

• Earth (Stability): Courage is standing strong and grounded when life shakes you.

• Water (Emotion): Courage is flowing with your emotions, not drowning in them.

• Fire (Energy): Courage is the inner fire that pushes you to act, even when afraid.

• Air (Movement): Courage is taking the next breath, the next step, the next leap forward.

• Space (Awareness): Courage is holding space for your fear and your purpose—both can exist together.

True courage isn’t just about ignoring fear. It’s about knowing your purpose, staying grounded, and using your inner elements to face life with strength and wisdom.