What is Real Courage?

We think we all have courage, don’t we?

Most people think having courage means spilling the truth.

Wrong.

Time to start a clean slate.

Here is how Frank Underwood, the fictional President of the United States define real courage.

“You wanna know what takes real courage? Keeping your mouth shut no matter what you might be feeling. Hold it all together when the stakes are this high.” - Frank Underwood, House of Cards (Chapter 32)

It was part his conversation with his wife, first lady and ambassador Claire Underwood, after she spouting out the real reason behind Michael Corrigan’s suicide and her feeling about this tragedy in front of reporters. Michael refused to lie by admitting to Russian President Petrov that he 'broke the law' to exchange for his imminent release. He didn't want to leave until the law was repealed so those who were arrested for the same reason were also released. Michael took his own life for what he believed in (gay rights). Claire’s emotional reaction towards Michael's death sabotaged United States' peace plan with Russia.

If you watch House of Cards, you felt Claire's pain. She didn't want to dishonour Michael's belief in gay rights by telling a lie to the whole world. Some people think she did the "right thing" and called her a "hero", while others did not.

Why?

As an ambassador of the United States, how does it help the US to achieve its peace plan with Russia by shaming the Russian government and its President in front of the media?

It doesn't help but only to throw the plan back to square

one. Frank remained his composure during Claire's hothead speech and apologized to Petrov on his wife's behalf immediately after she stormed out of the venue.

You might not be a big fan of Frank Underwood, but he does have real courage that many do not have. As President of the United State, he had to separate the big from the small because his end goal is to remain peaceful with Russia. He wouldn't push Petrov down the stairs to start a World War after Petrov kissed his wife during his visit to the White House. Some people including Claire think Frank doesn't have courage, but they overlook one fact: there is no black or white; the world is only grey.

Such is called Real Courage.

Just like Frank Underwood, we all have our own "big pictures" to accomplish and they weigh much more than our feelings. Regardless who we are or what we do, we all have the same and interesting puzzle to figure out.

Have fun.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's. Any examples, dialogues and stories used within this article are imaginary: they do not describe any real-world individuals or organizations. Assumptions made within this article do not necessarily represent author's opinions. The information contained on this article is not legal advice, and is intended solely to provide general guidance on matters of interest for the personal use of the reader, who accepts full responsibility for its use.

Reference:

- House of Cards (Season 3, Chapter 32)

- Photo credit (Frank Underwood): http://selfninja.com/frank-underwood-guide-to-office-politics/