We become brave by doing brave acts. Aristotle Quotes in English
Aristotle’s quote, “We become brave by doing brave acts,” captures an important part of his philosophy about how we develop virtues. He believed that virtues are not something we are born with; rather, they are built through practice and habit. This idea is particularly relevant when discussing courage, but it can be applied to all moral virtues such as kindness, fairness, and generosity. Let’s take a closer look at what this means.
First, Aristotle saw virtue as a habit. He argued that virtues are not natural traits that we have from birth. Instead, they are habits that we develop over time by repeatedly performing virtuous actions. For example, someone is not instinctively brave. Bravery is something you gain by facing challenges and acting in courageous ways. Just like a person builds physical strength by working out regularly, they build moral virtues by consistently engaging in virtuous behavior. This means we actively work on becoming virtuous.
Second, Aristotle highlighted that we learn virtues by doing rather than just by thinking about them. Understanding the idea of bravery is different from actually being brave. To become courageous, a person needs to confront their fears and take brave actions, even if those actions are small or hard at first. As people keep practicing bravery, acting courageously becomes easier and more natural. With each brave act, confidence grows, and bravery becomes a part of one’s character.
Next, experience plays a vital role in developing virtues. Aristotle believed that facing real-life fears or challenges is essential for building courage. When individuals confront danger or difficult situations, they learn how to act bravely. Each time they take a courageous step, they become more skilled at managing fear. Over time, these experiences help shape their character, making them genuinely brave.
Additionally, Aristotle's theory includes his Doctrine of the Mean. This concept suggests that virtue exists between two extremes, which are excess and deficiency. For instance, courage is the balance between being reckless, which is too much bravery without thought, and being cowardly, which is too much fear. By regularly practicing brave acts, individuals learn how to find a balanced way to respond to fear. This helps them avoid being thoughtless or overly timid, enabling them to act with a level of courage that is truly commendable.
Furthermore, Aristotle emphasized that moral development is not a passive process. We are not born with fully developed virtues. Instead, we cultivate them by engaging in the right actions consistently over time. Achieving bravery requires effort and determination. To become truly brave, individuals must seek out situations that challenge them and require courage. With each challenge faced, bravery becomes an integral part of who they are.
Moreover, education and role models play significant roles in developing virtues. Aristotle believed that observing and learning from others, especially those who display bravery, can help us imitate their actions. Strong role models can inspire individuals to practice courage in their own lives. A supportive environment, whether in families or communities, can provide opportunities for people to practice and develop virtues like bravery, justice, and generosity.
Finally, Aristotle maintained that our character is shaped by the virtues we nurture. To possess a courageous character, individuals must consistently act with bravery. True courage is not just about isolated moments of heroism; it is about establishing a pattern of courageous behavior over time.
In summary, when Aristotle says, “We become brave by doing brave acts,” he indicates that virtues are developed through action and practice. We gain courage, along with other virtues, by repeatedly engaging in actions that require bravery, even if those actions are challenging at first.