Courage. How do you define it? Being brave? Gutsy? Willing to try? Merriam-Webster says courage is “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” Sometimes, courage serves us well. Sometimes, not so much.
I have long felt there is a reason why humans don’t have wings. We are not supposed to fly. If we were, we would be shaped much differently. But that hasn’t stopped people from trying to find ways to fly for decades. And, as such, that hasn’t stopped people from dying while trying to find ways to fly for decades.
Courage?
Every year, we read stories about people who hike into desolate areas of mountains only to be stranded and die. We, as humans, are not built to survive in cold temperatures for extended periods of time. Yet, people keep hiking into these areas. And people keep dying.
Courage?
Humans don’t have fins or gills or other necessary features to be able to survive under water. Sharks do, and they see us as being in their feeding ground. Yet, we act surprised — and even angry — when we learn of humans being attacked by sharks. And despite the serious injuries and deaths, we keep venturing into the ocean.
Courage?
This brings me to the tragic deaths last week of the five passengers of a 22-foot submersible known as the Titan. Each passenger reportedly paid $250,000 for the trip to see the wreckage of the Titanic. They were certainly aware of the potential dangers. Twenty-eight people apparently made the trip to see the Titanic wreckage last year. Maybe these prior successes made them feel safe. It turned out to be a quarter-million-dollar underwater death trap. Clearly, we shouldn’t judge, and we should have compassion for the families of those who died, but one has to wonder what drives a person to take such risks.
Courage?
Maybe with the “venture” part of the definition but, unfortunately, not with the “persevere.”
Have a thought-provoking Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com | 
