On Courage in the Absence of Ultimate Answers

On Courage in the Absence of Ultimate Answers

Topic:Philosophy
Posted on:Mar 19 2015
Captured by:Paul C
Method:Previous Writings

Elsewhere I have written of the dyad, questions and answers, as it relates to the triad, questions, possibilities and decisions. The point of this observation is simple: When we embrace the implications of this triad as it relates to our condition as incipient, we realize the need for a particular virtue.

I use the word “virtue” with deliberate vagueness. It could take many observations to reflect on the various ways in which this word has been used across 4,000 years of debate. But for the purpose of this observation, it is sufficient to say that we need certain qualities of character.

One of the most important of these is often overlooked; it is courage. We think of courage in many ways, but rarely do we think of it in the nuances of spiritual pursuit. However, when one does not have an ultimate answer, and yet must make an ultimate decision, the operational virtue is courage. The most courageous acts in our lives may be those ultimate decisions we make (and truly live) in the absence of ultimate answers.

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