Seneca’s thoughts about courage
The question about courage is not central in Seneca’s works. This Roman author touches it thinking about fear and anger. Seneca gives three definitions of courage (fortitudo). He reveals its essence as a virtue (virtus) and its importance for a person. According to Seneca, the courage is not identical with the absolute fearlessness and the reckless acts, but it bases on a rational caution. The fear causes usually an escape from the dangers. Sometimes fear and anger can a little inspirit, but they can not cause the virtue, that is courageous acts. The question about utility of anger for courage on the battlefield is very important for Seneca. According to the peripatetics, the anger reinforces the courage in the battle. Seneca does not agree to this opinion categorically. He adduces several arguments in order to confirm his point of view. According to Seneca, the courage not only brings victory on the battlefield but it provides a man of courage with the respect of society as well as an inward freedom, self-esteem and happiness.