Taking Courage: A New Look at an Old American Virtue

Demonstrating a deep understanding of literature and history, Elizabeth Samet reveals the way that courage has long anchored America’s collective thought and explores its power to illuminate the path to a unified future.

Courage has long been a favorite theme of philosophers, generals, and poets alike. A fundamental virtue since ancient times, courage is perhaps most readily identified with military exploits. But what does courage mean beyond the battlefield? And what do traditional ideals o...