Moral courage is more a rare commodity than bravery in a battle or great intelligence.
Interpretation
Moral courage is rarer and more valuable than physical bravery or intelligence.
In this quote, John F. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of moral courage, suggesting that it is a more uncommon and precious trait compared to the bravery displayed in physical confrontations or the high intelligence one might possess. He underscores the idea that standing up for one's principles, values, and beliefs, particularly in difficult situations, requires a unique strength that is often overlooked.
In practice
This quote can be used to inspire students during a leadership seminar.
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
Ye have locked yerselves up in cages of fear and, behold, do ye now complain that ye lack FREEDOM!
Seeing Kron trade punches with someone, I don't feel comfortable with that exchange. I'd never do that. But seeing him do that, I see he's confident, he's trained, and he wants to test himself.
Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow.
So over you is the greatest enemy a man can have β and that is fear. I know some of you are afraid to listen to the truth β you have been raised on fear and lies. But I am going to preach to you the truth until you are free of that fear...
I have had so much at heart. Defeated, not conquered; disappointed, not discouraged. I have but to be more energetic and more faithful in the difficult and painful vocation to which my life is devoted.
I would rather die than do something which I know to be a sin, or to be against God's will.
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