@LuckyGuy But that cause doesn’t have to start and end with them: I choose to act in such a way as to reduce future threats to others based on the understanding that many people who are willing to commit such acts (zealots with guns as our example) will choose otherwise when confronted with a society of individuals that likewise will defend themselves
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If said zealot enters a room of 1+ people knowing it likely that all of them would risk getting shot to take him/her down, then they’re going to do it regardless. But many that would be willing to do this, because they know most people will give in to self preservation, would choose otherwise if they found out (via media or whatever avenue) that most people within the given society will more likely kill them than bow to their will. A society of people willing to take risks in defense of themselves have to deal with less such zealots, leaving only the ones that are willing to give their lives in their attempt. And that means my death, if enough follow suit, reduces the number of people that will suffer such a situation in the future. I would think that’s a bit larger than myself, and I am willing to give my life to increase the ‘presence’ of said numbers (people unwilling to bend) by 1 for the sake of those that will never have to suffer such a situation.
@stanleybmanly I wasn’t really asking about heroism, unless you mention it because you consider it a primary piece of your concept of bravery, though I appreciate the information none-the-less. I understand you to mean that none cannot act heroically without some conscious choice to do so. In which case, what defines a heroic action/decision? I don’t know the details of your experience, but was there a heroic choice even available?
And secondly, your answer matches a lot of other peoples in the thread. Most seem bound to explain or point out the many instances where people are not cowards, or have not acted cowardly. I don’t see any examples of cowardice… have any?
Does anyone have any examples of cowardice, or is everyone convinced that no such concept can be accurately applied? And if not, I would think the concept of bravery would likewise soon follow the same path (if it hasn’t already).