Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Courage, a virtue highly esteemed across cultures and philosophies, is often associated with bravery in the face of external threats. However, Aristotle’s assertion – “I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies” – presents a nuanced perspective, suggesting that true courage lies not in conquering external adversaries, but in mastering one’s internal impulses. This statement challenges conventional notions of heroism and invites a deeper exploration of the nature of courage, self-control, and the human condition. It highlights the difficulty of battling internal conflicts, which are often more persistent and insidious than external ones.
Understanding Aristotle’s Perspective
Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, emphasized the importance of virtue as a mean between two extremes. Courage, for him, wasn’t recklessness or cowardice, but a balance. Overcoming enemies, while requiring physical bravery, often stems from external pressures – fear of harm, duty, or societal expectations. However, overcoming desires requires a conscious, internal struggle against deeply ingrained inclinations. This internal battle is more fundamental to character development.
The Nature of Desires and Enemies
Desires, in this context, encompass a wide range of human impulses – greed, lust, anger, ambition, and the pursuit of pleasure. These desires, if unchecked, can lead to destructive behaviors and moral failings. They are often subtle and persuasive, making them difficult to recognize and resist. Enemies, on the other hand, are external forces that pose a direct threat. Confronting them often involves a clear objective and a defined strategy.
Why Overcoming Desires is More Courageous
- Internality of the Struggle: The battle against desires is fought within the self, a realm where there are no external rewards or accolades. It requires immense self-discipline and moral fortitude.
- Persistence of Desires: Unlike enemies, desires are not easily vanquished. They resurface repeatedly, demanding constant vigilance and self-control.
- Impact on Character: Successfully overcoming desires shapes character, fostering virtues like temperance, humility, and self-awareness. Conquering enemies, while admirable, doesn’t necessarily lead to personal growth.
- Universality of the Challenge: Every individual faces the challenge of controlling their desires, making it a universally relatable struggle. Not everyone faces external enemies.
Illustrative Examples
Consider the example of Mahatma Gandhi. While he faced immense political opposition from the British Empire (overcoming ‘enemies’), his greatest struggle was arguably against his own personal desires – for comfort, recognition, and a conventional life. His commitment to simplicity, non-violence, and self-sacrifice demonstrates a profound victory over internal impulses.
Another example can be found in the story of Nelson Mandela. While imprisoned for 27 years, facing external oppression, his ability to resist bitterness and hatred – to overcome the desire for revenge – was a testament to his extraordinary courage. This internal fortitude allowed him to lead South Africa towards reconciliation and a peaceful transition to democracy.
A Balanced Perspective
It’s crucial to acknowledge that overcoming enemies is also a form of courage, particularly when defending oneself, one’s community, or upholding justice. However, Aristotle’s statement isn’t meant to diminish the importance of external bravery, but rather to elevate the significance of internal fortitude. Both forms of courage are valuable, but the latter is arguably more fundamental to the development of a virtuous and fulfilling life.
| Courage – Overcoming Enemies | Courage – Overcoming Desires |
|---|---|
| External focus; response to threat | Internal focus; self-discipline |
| Often driven by fear or duty | Driven by moral principles and self-awareness |
| Can be situational | Requires constant vigilance |
| Impacts external circumstances | Shapes character and inner peace |
Conclusion
Aristotle’s assertion underscores the profound importance of self-mastery in the pursuit of a virtuous life. While bravery in the face of external adversity is commendable, true courage lies in the relentless battle against one’s own desires. This internal struggle, though often unseen, is the foundation of moral strength and personal growth. Recognizing and cultivating this inner fortitude is essential not only for individual well-being but also for building a more just and compassionate society.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.