The Courage to Be

1. Courage as existential self-affirmation in the face of nonbeing

Courage is the self-affirmation of being in spite of the fact of nonbeing.

Ontological foundation. Courage is not merely a virtue or an ethical concept, but an ontological reality deeply rooted in the structure of being itself. It represents the fundamental human capacity to affirm one's existence despite the constant threat of nonbeing.

Existential challenge. This self-affirmation is not a simple act of willpower, but a profound engagement with the very nature of existence. It requires facing the anxiety that arises from our awareness of our finite nature and the possibility of our own annihilation. Courage, in this sense, is the power to embrace life fully while acknowledging its inherent uncertainty and potential for loss.

2. The three types of anxiety: fate and death, emptiness and meaninglessness, guilt and condemnation

Nonbeing threatens man's ontic self-affirmation, relatively in terms of fate, absolutely in terms of death. It threatens man's spiritual self-affirmation, relatively in terms of emptiness, absolutely in terms of meaninglessness. It threatens man's moral self-affirmation, relatively in terms of guilt, absolutely in terms of condemnation.

Ontic anxiety. The fear of fate and death challenges our basic existence. It stems from our awareness of the unpredictability of life and the inevitability of our own demise.

Spiritual anxiety. The dread of emptiness and meaninglessness threatens our sense of purpose and significance. It arises when we question the value and meaning of our lives and experiences.

Moral anxiety. The burden of guilt and fear of condemnation challenges our sense of moral worth. It emerges from our capacity for self-reflection and our awareness of moral standards.

These anxieties are not isolated phenomena but interconnected aspects of the human condition, each requiring a specific form of courage to confront and overcome.

3. Courage to be as a part: collective self-affirmation

The courage to be as a part is the courage to affirm one's own being by participation.

Social integration. This form of courage involves affirming oneself through participation in collective structures such as family, community, nation, or ideology. It provides a sense of belonging and purpose derived from being part of something larger than oneself.

Historical manifestations. Throughout history, this courage has taken various forms:

• Primitive collectivism in tribal societies
• Medieval semicollectivism in feudal systems
• Modern totalitarian movements (fascism, nazism, communism)
• Democratic conformism in contemporary societies

While offering security and meaning, the courage to be as a part risks the loss of individual identity and can lead to the suppression of personal authenticity.

4. Courage to be as oneself: individualistic self-affirmation

The courage to be as oneself is the courage to affirm one's own reasonable nature over against what is accidental in us.

Existential independence. This form of courage involves affirming oneself as a unique, irreplaceable individual, capable of standing alone against societal pressures and existential threats.

Historical development:

• Renaissance humanism and the rise of individualism
• Romantic emphasis on unique self-expression
• Existentialist focus on personal authenticity and responsibility

The courage to be as oneself celebrates human freedom and creativity but risks isolation and can lead to a loss of connection with the wider world and community.

5. The limits of both collectivism and individualism

The courage to be as a part is threatened by the nonbeing which is implied in the individual's self-affirmation as an individual; the courage to be as oneself is threatened by the nonbeing which is implied in the participation of the individual in the world of which he is a part.

Dialectical tension. Both forms of courage - collective and individual - are necessary but inherently limited. Exclusive focus on either leads to a loss of essential aspects of human existence.

Collectivism's pitfall: Loss of individual identity and creativity
Individualism's danger: Isolation and meaninglessness

The challenge is to find a balance that allows for both meaningful participation in society and authentic self-expression. This tension points to the need for a more comprehensive form of courage that transcends this dichotomy.

6. Existentialism: the courage of despair in modern times

Existentialism as expression is the character of the philosophy, art, and literature of the period of the World Wars and all-pervading anxiety of doubt and meaninglessness.

Modern crisis. Existentialism emerges as a response to the profound sense of meaninglessness and anxiety characteristic of the 20th century. It represents the courage to face the absurdity of existence without resorting to false consolations.

Key aspects:

• Rejection of abstract systems and emphasis on concrete human experience
• Confrontation with the reality of death, freedom, and the absence of predetermined meaning
• Affirmation of individual responsibility in creating meaning

Existentialism, while often associated with despair, actually represents a form of courage - the courage to embrace life's uncertainty and create meaning in the face of apparent meaninglessness.

7. Courage rooted in the power of being: mystical, personal, and transcendent

The courage to be is rooted in the God who appears when God has disappeared in the anxiety of doubt.

Mystical courage. Based on the experience of unity with the ground of being, this form of courage overcomes anxiety through identification with the ultimate source of existence.

Personal courage. Derived from a personal encounter with God, this courage is exemplified in the Protestant Reformation's emphasis on individual faith and direct relationship with the divine.

Transcendent courage. This represents the highest form of courage, which embraces both mystical union and personal encounter while transcending their limitations. It is rooted in the power of being-itself, which remains even when all particular forms of courage fail.

8. The Protestant principle: courage to accept acceptance despite being unacceptable

Accepting acceptance though being unacceptable is the basis for the courage of confidence.

Radical grace. This principle, central to Protestant theology, asserts that one is accepted by God despite being unacceptable by any moral, intellectual, or religious standard.

Psychological implications:

• Liberation from the burden of self-justification
• Courage to face one's imperfections and limitations
• Foundation for genuine self-acceptance and growth

This principle offers a profound basis for courage, allowing one to affirm oneself despite the awareness of guilt, imperfection, and finitude.

9. Absolute faith: the courage to embrace doubt and meaninglessness

Faith is the state of being grasped by the power of being-itself.

Beyond theism. Absolute faith transcends both mystical union and personal encounter with God. It is the courage to accept acceptance even when the idea of God has lost its meaning.

Embracing uncertainty. This form of faith does not eliminate doubt or provide easy answers. Instead, it gives the courage to live with doubt and to create meaning in the face of apparent meaninglessness.

Existential affirmation. Absolute faith is not belief in specific doctrines but a radical affirmation of life itself. It is the courage to say "yes" to existence despite its ambiguities, uncertainties, and threats of nonbeing.

This concept of faith offers a way to find courage and meaning in a world where traditional religious certainties have been shaken, providing a basis for existential courage in the modern age.

Last updated: August 8, 2024