"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy"

True courage, according to Socratic philosophy, is not defined by mere bravado or reckless pursuit of danger, but rather by steadfastness and commitment to one’s duty in the face of adversity. The essence of valor is the willingness to stand firm, even when self-preservation would urge a person to flee. Such courage goes beyond physical bravery; it is rooted in integrity, wisdom, and a strong sense of responsibility. The courageous individual does not allow fear to dictate action, nor is he swayed by the impulse to escape discomfort or peril. Instead, he weighs the situation with discernment and chooses to remain steadfast in defense of his greater purpose or moral obligation.

Remaining “at his post” is symbolic of a person’s duty , whether that be to a city, a community, a principle, or one’s own conscience. The “enemy” can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically: it may be a tangible foe in battle, a societal injustice, an inner weakness, or the many challenges that life presents. The act of fighting is not necessarily that of physical combat, but rather the engagement with obstacles, opposition, or fear itself with resolve and clarity.

Through this lens, courage is inseparable from wisdom, another key Socratic theme. To stand firm in ignorance or folly is not courage; rather, it is blind stubbornness. The truly courageous individual understands the weight of his actions and the risks he faces but chooses to act because the cause is just and the role is necessary. In recognizing and accepting risk, but not surrendering to it, he exemplifies moral fortitude.

Such a conception of courage elevates the virtue from mere fearlessness to principled endurance. The strongest individuals are not those untroubled by fear, but those who, in full awareness of danger and difficulty, remain unwavering in their commitment, thus achieving a nobler form of heroism.