“Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” – Harper Lee (from To Kill a Mockingbird)
My all-time favourite trope is the doomed moral victor: Our hero is presented with overwhelming evidence that their taking action could not possibly make a difference, and is invited to “take the easy way out”, give up, go against their morals etc.. No-one would judge them, and perhaps from a utilitarian sense they might even be doing more good. But our brave hero refuses to betray their beliefs.
“I will protect even those I hate,” Kaladin whispered through bloody lips. “So long as it is right.” – Brandon Sanderson, Words of Radiance
In media, this is often the beginning of a highly improbable turnaround, where one small act of selfless bravery sparks unimaginable change. Or sometimes the act is as futile as expected, a beautiful symbol of naïve hope. I find great beauty in both outcomes.
The trope resonates with me because I’ve always had a strong stubborn streak, which I think could be a result of some autism traits. Perhaps it’s also my substitute for religion . Maybe I would even suggest that a religious person’s moral courage is less impressive, if they are acting with the expectation of repayment in an afterlife (but in saying that, I too believe moral acts are often repaid in unexpected ways – perhaps a more secular version of the idea of karma).
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” – Matthew 5:391
I also think of the concept as a potential solution to “tragedy of the commons” scenarios including around climate change. Much like the Sorites paradox, no individual’s action could possibly make a difference, and yet if enough individuals take seemingly meaningless action they could achieve a meaningful outcome.
JRR Tolkien Theory of Courage
- I’m atheistic, and in particular have problems with aspects of modern Christianity. That doesn’t stop me from recognising an absolute banger though ↩︎
Finn Thompson 