Courage Is Fear That Has Said Its Prayers – Dorothy Bernard
Created at: April 30, 2025
Courage is fear that has said its prayers. — Dorothy Bernard
Courage and the Presence of Fear
Bernard’s aphorism asserts that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but its transformation. In Harper Lee’s *To Kill a Mockingbird* (1960), Atticus Finch tells his children that 'real courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.' His fear of failure or judgment is present, yet he acts because courage wrestles with fear instead of denying it.
Role of Faith and Prayer
By referencing prayer, Bernard highlights how faith or spiritual reflection can calm anxiety and enable bravery. Soldiers in wartime often find solace in prayer before battle; for example, in Stephen Ambrose’s *Band of Brothers* (1992), Easy Company paratroopers pray together before D-Day, channeling their fear into resolve through collective faith.
Action Despite Uncertainty
The quote emphasizes that true courage emerges when action is taken despite uncertainty. During the Civil Rights Movement, activists like Rosa Parks faced threats and fear. Parks herself admitted to her nervousness, but her deep conviction, akin to 'saying prayers,' emboldened her to act. (See Parks’ autobiography, *Rosa Parks: My Story*, 1992).
Humanizing Heroism
Bernard’s words demystify heroism: heroes are not immune to fear, but manage it. In the film *Saving Private Ryan* (1998), Captain Miller confesses to shaking with fear, yet leads his men bravely. This illustrates that ‘prayers’—a metaphor for introspection or seeking comfort—empower ordinary people to rise above their apprehensions.
Historical and Cultural Context
Dorothy Bernard, a critic and playwright, wrote in an era shaped by world wars and social upheaval. Her words reflect a widespread search for meaning and comfort in times of turmoil. The phrase resonates in both religious and secular settings, emphasizing that spiritual rituals or mindful reflection help individuals confront daunting challenges.