Without THIS, Your Skill Counts for Little...
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
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If you lack this one thing, then none of your guns, ammunition, plans, or training can help you. In fact, you could very well spend 20 years shooting with the feeling you were becoming more prepared, when in reality, you are doomed to fail because you are lacking in this one indispensable thing - courage. Now no one wants to entertain the thought that they might not rise to the occasion as a hero, but lets for a moment delve into this topic for at least a sort of fire-insurance.
Fear can cause all of our good planning and all the musings of what we thought we might've done or should've done, to go out the window. People who thought they would charge a threat, or flank and counterattack, instead may very well freeze. A person may have had great intentions, but simply became unable to process or to will their bodies to respond. Still, others may run or hide from a threat in an effort to save themselves while being completely unable to think about the safety of others that are also in harms way. I had one guy in a tactics class I taught admit they were half way down the block moments after a violent encounter, when they had always imagined that in such a scenario that they would stay and fight. It is simply amazing what fear and stress will do to us.
There are heroes out there of course. But their stories move us because they are so rare. The story of heroes move us because they all contain this one common denominator - our heroes acted courageously.
In Stephen Pressfield's book 'Gates of Fire', the Spartan King Leonidas tells us that in battle "practice of arms counts little, courage tells all" What this means is that we can have amazing tactics, speed and accuracy and shooting perfect weapon manipulation skills unparalleled physical ability and endurance, and still FAIL MISERABLY if we lack courage. It all comes down to courage when the lines clash. When the screaming starts and blood flows freely in the night, it is courage that will see the dawn. Courage tells all.
Niccolo Machiavelli shows his disdain for mercenaries saying, "mercenaries and auxiliaries are useless and dangerous; and if one holds his state based on these arms, he will stand neither, firm nor safe; for they are disunited, ambitious, and without discipline, unfaithful, valiant before friends, cowardly before enemies, they have neither the fear of God nor fidelity to men and distraction is deferred only so long as the attack is." I believe the reason Machiavelli had such disdain for these hired guns, had little to do with their skills and aptitude and everything to do with their lack of conviction to their cause. People will fight for money, but they will not die for it. Mercenaries, lacking the courage given by a higher cause, will of course flee when they suspect they might not come out of an encounter alive. I do not blame them. I wouldn't die for something I do not believe in and I don't think you would either.
Skill is of course critical, as is having the right tools, a plan, being fit, etc., but all of this pales in comparison to having courage. If you do not have courage, your training may fail you. Your tools at hand might as well be 1 million miles away, and all your plans will lie unfulfilled as horror makes you freeze in place or run. If we cannot be courageous, fear will consume us.
Now here comes the difficulty: how can we grow in courage? Guns, I can buy them. Training, I can find it. Plans, we can all make them. But how in the world (and this is the million dollar question) can we become people of courage?
To me, courage is simply your character under fire. It is the ultimate litmus test of your real underlying virtue. In other words, if you would like to be courageous, become a person of greater character. Love others extravagantly, so that you will fight courageously, for "...perfect love casts out all fear" -John 4:18.
Additionally, get in touch with your inner adrenaline junkie. Make a habit of doing the things in life that scare you. This will do wonders to help you overcome fear, because now fear loses its potency as it is diluted by a lifestyle of courage.
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One small way to train for courage is to look for small opportunities for self sacrifice in your daily life, because courage always involves the prospect of sacrifice. Even small acts of sacrifice - giving up your seat to the elderly person who is standing when you are tired and aching, mowing you neighbor's yard when his wife is in the hospital and the ballgame you want to watch is on, etc. - have an impact beyond what we initially perceive. The soul has to be trained, sometimes in small increments, to sacrifice, and when sacrifice starts to become more habitual and less a conscious act of self-denial, it bleeds over into larger areas.
Another way to develop courage is to face your phobias. Phobias, or irrational fears, are gifts from God - opportunities to face fear in a "controlled environment" where there is no actual risk of harm since the fear is "irrational." It is a training ground for standing up to that which normally makes us freeze and rather, summon the fortitude to move forward in the face of fear.
Finally, spend quality time with those you love, those to whom your devotion is strongest. Nurture those relationships that inspire you to do great (or even mundane) things in the service of others. In my opinion, there is no more neglected aspect of "mindset" than this, the love that makes us face danger in the first place. It is truly ironic that so many men spend time trying to become "hard" and "tough" when compassion and love have historically been the motivation that served as the foundation of some of history's greatest heroic acts.
Well done.
thanks
Jim - great insights, well stated. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
Jim Aldridge
Jim Aldridge dude. You just read my mind and have motivated me beyond belief. From your words. Thanks bud.
Jim Aldridge-Beautifully stated and I think very true.
"The righteous are bold as a lion, but the wicked run though no one is pursuing." Proverbs 28:1
I used to do a great deal of backpacking, and I once had a friend ask me which animal, of all the animals I might encounter in the outdoors, should be feared the most. I told him, "Any mother protecting its young. I have seen a mama bluejay chase a cat away from her nest of young jays. Only a mother's love will turn the food chain on its ear."
Committed love is the granite upon which tales of courage are etched and recounted.
No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
+i7s3a7a3c for the win!
A scripture came to mind:
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it." -Jesus
Courage comes because, like Christ, our 'kingdom', our 'ultimate reality' does not end here.
So well stated Jonathan!!!
Jonathan Stroebel well said
Jonathan Stroebel scripture goes out the window when while you're being shot at.
what if it is woven into the fabric of who the soldier is that shoots back? Is it our character that can make us brave? What can build character? Just questions. Your thoughts sir?
Steve, the courage of the 'good shepherd' in the parable above comes in direct proportion to the relationship, (that is the 'love') that the shepherd has for the sheep. The 'hired hand', like Alexander's mercenaries, have no love for the 'sheep' and thus no desire to show the ultimate form of love by laying down their life for the sheep----their 'help' is virtually worthless. These scriptural principals are 'true' and they apply whether one is particularly 'religious' or not. Would you agree with me, however, that if there is "indeed" an ultimate 'reality beyond the grave that this could also add to one's courage?
I do not typically comment. But wow, that phrase was amazing! "if you love extravagantly, You will fight courageously" This blew me away!
To trust in God, not to keep you alive but that you are saved, gives you courage to face death without the distraction of the consequences of what you may have to do.
A man fighting for home and family, seldom will you find a more fierce warrior.
Your videos have value, unlike most videos on RUclips. Thank you
Mr. Lovell I love hearing your philosophical views. Courage isn't something that can be obtained like skill. I think you either have it or you dont. I do agree that love has a lot to do with how much courage one will have. Here's a good quote for you "Violence is a last resort of a thinking man. But only a fool would refuse to face the facts when it becomes the only option for life." I leave you with Psalms 144 Blessed be the Lord my Strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight!
+Hard Target amen bro. Thx
Not exactly the topic of this video but I believe this is something that warriors are trained to understand, that others usually don't. The idea that your survivability in a situation isn't always so instinctually correct. In other words, we may feel inclined to hide or run when that may be very tactically unsound. Sometimes the situation calls for great, decisive aggression. It is not a normal reaction to run towards the threat or source of danger, but the soldier must be able to do so despite all of his/her instincts screaming the opposite. I know you teach this in most, if not all, of your classes. The warrior spirit and aggressive mindset that must be there in a dangerous situation. That doesn't mean acting stupidly, but simply overcoming the fear and not letting it control you. It can be used, to sharpen our senses, and quicken our response. When mastered it can be used to empower us rather than overwhelm us.
Another great talk, John. Thank you.
I do security at church last 6 months. I take the job serious when im not there i feel i should be. If something goes down i pray i will have the courage to engage. Been listen to you off and on your the real deal im listening more.
Thanks for your passion
Its infectious.
Your analysis was quite accurate. I once wrote that "The most lethal weapon in the known universe is the human mind". No one knows what it contains, and no one can ever take it away from you. In 2015 I was cornered in a gas station by a young man who aimed a pistol at me from a few feet away. I spoke with him briefly on the flaw in his plan, before distracting him, and attacking him with great fury. He rightfully ran for his life. I hope to never cause harm to another human being, but at the same time, I refuse to be anyone's victim. As a soldier in West Germany the 70's I wondered what I would do if the Soviets were to decide to attack us from the East. I decided to fire every round, explode every grenade, and hope that the Germans would hide me by day so that I could sabotage the Russians by night, until reinforcements could arrive. I feel fear like anyone else when confronted by immediate danger, but I acknowledge it, discard it quickly, and attack with intensity. I hate no one, because hatred is composed of negative energy. But I must survive wanton hostility at all costs, by any and all means necessary. Thanks for this video.
Courage without love, is dead, or visa versa.
Totally disagree here. Courage is the metal ability to engage either in a dangerous or uncomfortable situation. In this particular case you have to engage a emotion of fight or flight. Do you listen to it or ignore it having some level of confidence to face the unknown or known. Courage can also get you killed so let that sink in as well. Some times its best to not engage. This is BS that you have to put something on the line to take action. There are many out there that have little to lose but choose to help anyway.
Subscribed! This is the most important martial topic of all. You submitted good input on it and admitted not knowing everything about it, which says a lot about your own character and intelligence. I keep bringing it up myself, but people much prefer to focus on gear and training, stuff you can buy and quantify. I believe that the question, 'what will I do when the balloon goes up?' is just too hard to even consider for most so they turn to denial or bravado.
One could be one of Dave Grossman's 2 percenters, i.e. a sociopath, a natural born killer or born soldier. Or one could be a loving individual with much to lose and willing to defend it to the death. I'll pass on saying what I actually think and hide behind this known Steinbeck quote here: "The final weapon is the brain, all else is supplemental".
My army buddy once called me a mercenary. I wasn't a security contractor in the purest sense. Really there's no word to describe what I did. I worked with police, but not for them... I received no pay. And yet, I put my life on the line and stood between the innocent and the wicked and cruel. I would describe what I did to people and they'd say I was crazy for doing what I did "For free"... But I did it because I believed in keeping the innocent safe from evil. Because if I didn't stand up, who would? I remember the first op I was part of, it was all volunteer. (And probably the most dangerous by far) But I knew, in a way, I was likely not coming back from it. I had to get "right" with people I had wronged, and admit my sins to them, and stand before God and say, "Here I am! I am in danger but I am pushing forward regardless!" Obviously I survived. But there's no word for what I did. Volunteer mercenary? Unpaid security contractor? I don't know. But it was a defining moment of my life. And I miss it, because I had a purpose and lives depended on me.
This dude is one of the smartest ppl in the firearms community. Too many rambos there. This is what we need. Thank you
I believe both are traits that complement one another. In the profession of arms, one without the other limits the ability of both. “Courage is endurance for one moment longer”. One of my favorite quotes and it is applicable to everything we do in our daily lives. Cheers brother.
Fear is healthy it keeps you alive. Courage is the ability to set ones fear aside for the betterment of those who cannot.
I think your assessment is spot on at least based my own experience. It sort of reminds me of what George Patton said "Live for something rather than die for nothing." Some people have a different interpretation but what I think he's referring to is that when faced with life or death. Choose to live for something and fight, instead of laying down and dying for nothing.
There's already a lot of great comments here, so I'm a little hesitant to attempt to add anything. Your statement about recognizing situation/events that stir fear in you (us) and then pushing through the fear is something that I absolutely agree with. If we're going to be protectors and finishers, we need to build within ourselves the courage to act in the face of fear.
Remember, courage isn't fearlessness; courage IS appropriate action in the face of fear (don't know where I heard that, but it has lived as an echo in my brain for many years). Courage, just like endurance, is largely a function of the mind and heart. If you decide to act, or you make up your mind to push on even though it's uncomfortable, then you are building courage. Just like building muscle in the gym, pushing through the reps and choosing to endurance the discomfort builds muscle and character.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." I think you quoted this from Sir Edmund Burke once before.
"Courage is being scared as hell and saddling up anyway"- John Wayne"Commitment requires courage, whatever that commitment may be"-AnonLet us therefore animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a Freeman, contending for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth.General Orders, Headquarters, New York (2 July 1776)
I don't remember where I heard it "A man defending his home is worth 10 soldiers". Courage can come from motivation. Being in the Security Industry I can most definitely see hired security leaving when confronted with a substantial force. All too often the pay is too low because it is all too often the lowest bidder that has the contract. For me personally, and a few others, it is good against evil. And when you have the Lord with you, who can stand against you. That is where I fond my courage.
Very good video and very good question regarding courage. I agree with you. There needs to be a powerful motivator for courage to emerge. In the book Survivor, the author interviews people who have survived extraordinary circumstance, not just combat. The common denominator to many was the drive to see their family again. I think many soldiers are protector of us that are weaker and feel a primal urge to want to protect us from harm .This is a big one in my book. The sheep / sheep dog thing. For me I dont care if someone talks smack to my face. I will just walk away. But if I see someone intentionally harming a weaker person, I see red and the on switch goes on faster than I can think. I am not a brave person though. Its circumstantial.
+Larry Kaminer you may have more than you know brother. Much more.
Great video, this has directly applied to me. In my last job interview the person who interviewed me echoed these sentiments nearly exactly. During the interview they were brutal cutting me down and telling me I would fail etc.. After the interview the were nice as could be, and said I had exactly the resume they wanted. But, that is not the measure of the man, and they needed to test if I had the backbone to stand up to them.
Wow! That pierces the heart of a man... especially the untested man. I’ve got one idea from you and one from Tony Robbins. Your other video on courage suggested taking the little fearful challenges to build and test our own courage (why else face unnecessary pain?). Tony was speaking to a troubled marriage and said something to the effect of “love your wife courageously” even when she’s being unpleasant and you’re tempted to leave, he said, “love her fiercely” as in without reservation of the cost (even give up my gun if she’s against guns and my passion for them is new to the marriage?). As Christians we can remember the advantage that Paul claimed and which had been echoed in song, word, and deed, “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain,” because, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Whatever it takes.
"... if you love extravagantly, you will fight courageously." Agreed ! Nice thoughts ! Thanks for share.
Time to go streaking through the neighborhood, that'll surly build up some courage!
Courage is born of bedrock values. As you mentioned, love of family, disdain for evil, leaving the world a better place. Few people in history have moved society forward without courage. Courage / valor in battle but also courage of conviction to challenge / confront wrongs socially, politically and culturally. Note: I appreciate your physical skills and the practical lessons you give but I follow your channel for your ability to provoke thought.
Everyone has some good ideas and beliefs here. It's encouraging. Thank you. For my part, as an older person, I find I fear things more now than I did when I was younger. I remember taking a weekend with wife only a few years after we were married, probably somewhere around 1987. We borrowed her fathers' trailer to spend a weekend at a local camp ground. This was in January and it was snow and cold. We were the only ones there. It was cozy, nice and quite. I think back and remember that we thot this was awesome to be so secluded and enjoyed ourselves without a second thot to our safety. I look back on it today and think my gosh, someone could come and slit our throats and no one would know or hear us! I worry more now than ever. However, I have taken up Stronglifts 5x5 over the past few years. And I've noticed that when I feel physically stronger, I fear less. I'm not fearless by any means, but I'm not as worried or fearful. Having a small sense of being able to somewhat physically protect myself gives me a bit of courage.
I really like some of the thots you had in this video and a few other about no unfinished business, having a legacy and such. I really appreciate the videos you create, the range of issues you cover and your Christian beliefs. As a Christian myself, it helps to hear from others on some of these issues, from a Christian perspective. Thank you for all you do.
Well, you spoke truth ... so expect a small army of critics to insult you.
Courage comes from something you said in another video and that is loving others more than yourself,I would add that it also comes from becoming the person God wants you to be.Thank you for what you do sir.
I love your stuff, John.
I would suggest that courage requires faith. Courage is the ability to persevere in the face of seemingly inevitable failure. Not in a foolish way, but in a way that demonstrates a conviction to doing the right thing and accepting that, whatever the outcome, you have given what has been required of you. Some will read this and see it as naive or fatalistic. But I know that I don't define outcomes. I can only give of my talent as required, regardless of circumstance, and my faith allows me to believe that the outcome will be "OK".
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Without faith like this, I don't understand how a person can persist in the fire.
I will prepare myself to best utilize the talents I have been given and then, when called upon, I will give full measure of those talents with no concern for the ultimate outcome. That is what courage looks like to me.
Courage or cowardice often stem from the confidence level of the individual, you can give a person all the best kit all the best training but if the confidence in themself to actually use it isn't there the odds are under pressure they will break. I remember a very good friend of mine once asking me what the difference was between a hero and a coward was after musing for a while and coming up with nothing he just smiled and said the difference was the direction they were running at the time. Build confidence alongside the other training and the chances improve they will respond positively when the time comes self belief is very important and it's why most western militaries train the way they do amongst other aspects.
Great video. And I can appreciate how you approach ideas--like when you stopped yourself because you (to paraphrase) "haven't finished that thought yet." I do that quite often in conversation, and I like to explore thoughts and ideas, and say them out loud, even if I haven't fully subscribed to that as a truth or as a moral idea. And on top of that, we got Jim Aldridge's comment right on top here to read and think about. This is why I love RUclips as a learning platform. It's hitting on all cylinders on this.
for myself I pray for strength and courage. one of my favorite scripture is joshua 1:9. I also love psalm 86. I read daily for encouragement. I really think u hit the nail on the head with character. people who just think of there selves are the ones that run from a fight. ones who are thinking of others or have a family to protect fight to protect them. putting there life in danger to protect the ones they love.
Fantastic video. This reminds me of the quote "It's not the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog" by Mark Twain. There are two people that I've known that are perfect examples of this. One of these individuals was the team captain for my wrestling team back when I was in junior high/high school. This guy would wake up at around 4am during the week and would do a 2 hour workout. After that, he would go to school where he would also have gym and then he would have wrestling practice. This guy was not only physically incredible, but was also an excellent student and instructor. After he graduated from high school, he enlisted in the Navy and became a SEAL.
The other person is a family member of mine. He was a good student, but growing up was not the kind of guy who stood out physically. However, after high school, he enlisted in the Army and is currently a Ranger and ,when he's not deployed, is working on obtaining a college degree, which he plans on using to help him become an officer. Two guys who were pretty different growing up both made it through absolutely grueling adversity , not simply because they were physically capable of it, but because they had the fortitude and the drive to do so.
You hit the nail on the when you said love extravagantly. You have to love something, a lot of things, more than yourself to be willing to give your life so others can live. Those who can must because those who can't aren't capable.
You nailed it, bro. I was going to throw out, the other day, go running thru the tough part of town at night. To help steel your mind and body. Same thing.
True courage is indeed born of love.
l fear nothing in defense of my Beautiful One, my children, grandchildren, or others I love.
Love has taught me the heart of my King, who was not afraid to die when I was (and you are, friend) the joy set before him.
Awesome! Stuff you will hear no where else.
When all everyone talks about is guns & gear, this is refreshing!
Circumstance does not make us who we are. Circumstance reveals who we are.
Well said. You seem to have a good outlook. Courage is something that starts in the heart and mind. Courage does not take away fear. It is the overcomer of that fear to make you act when you are needed. I see this as basically saying what you said and these principles are not that complicated. The willing to do the right thing for God, family, friends ,and country will always get my respect.
I think you are perfectly right on that. The best way i would think, to train for courage, is to have a greater purpose, like you said. And reminding yourself of that purpose each time you train is the best way to ingrain it in you. When you train, you shoot on a target, imagining your loved ones behind you, so that when you have to do it for real, it is already there in your head, you know exactly why you are doing what you are doing. Thats what i imagine at least each time i run, i lift, and i shoot, and it stays with me.
I think one way I really work on courage is jumping on opportunities to try things you may be unfamiliar with or uncomfortable doing. I remember having a severe fear of heights but putting myself through situations like climbing, rappelling and working off ladders I over came that fear. Those small little acts came together and calloused the fear of falling. Another note on top of that is doing the right thing. Having courage and doing the right thing go hand in hand in my belief because when the stakes do become high and you need to push past all your limits, having that sense of purpose and knowing what you are doing is right, it will back you up and will give you the power to finish.
Courage is the parallel to confidence right before its tested. Once tested ONLY those who are CONFIDENT in their intellect, practical application of skill sets will show courage. Courage CAN be faked, it can be mirrored however... Crisis can not! That is when courage shines. To create courage you need to have confidence in your abilities and if you do not have confidence in your abilities that simply falls back onto your training habits. This is a internally agreed upon "rule of thumb" that spares no man or women on its journey. This has been the same rule since the dawn of war.
John's a philosopher. I love it. I appreciate that he's dredging up history by which he hones his own beliefs in the present, but he doesn't just regurgitate what someone told him to think. John consumes these ideals and synthesizes them for his own use. Really good stuff.
Wow, this is why i enjoy you so much. John, you and others who participate on this channel sing the truth so beautifully. I'm a little late to the game but I am thankful I found you guys.
To me the best way to develop courage is to simply learn how to live with your fear. If you can put yourself in situations where you afraid and learn to act appropriately then that can go a long way.
But I am reminded of a time that I was walking through Philadelphia with a friend of mine. We were on our way back to her apartment at probably 4 or 5 in the afternoon when we saw this group of guys make a lot of noise and kind of surround this other guy. I (being 5'8 and over 200 lbs) was going to keep moving because I did not know what they were doing. But my friend would not keep going and decided to stop to watch and make sure nothing bad was going to happen. When she stopped me to so we could keep an eye on what was going on I began to feel afraid. She is about 5'4 and 100 lbs and was more willing to stand up to this group of men than me, someone twice her size. It turned out that they all actually knew each other as the guy and the guys from the group embraced but I will never forget that wake up call.
If I can see in the mirror of big, full of fear eyes of someone weak and small, my self.. stronger, I dont want to see me as Im turn and walk away. My fear is bigger then many people have, but I got everything bigger so if I can do something it is my duty! Im responsible for this. Maybe Im stronger becouse God give that power to use it as a tool to be clouser to Him that way, if I can see Him in that smaller person, who I dont want to be a victim. I can not find my courage just for me.. But for others.. it comes like some kind of Gift
Love this video. Courage in a situation means everything. I often run a team of armed security officers at many different night clubs and events and "courage" is often the big contributing factor with the guys. They all have the gear and guns but when it's about to hit the fan.... I'm usually left standing along. Especially when the situation involves gun(s) from the bad guys and I would literally have to YELL at them like kids to stand with me and be a show of force because there strength in numbers. And I think it's due to a lack of confidence in their training in which I often invite them to train with me as I often are.
Be passionate about your life, beliefs, tasks and skills, and never ever quit!
On the opposite side I have learned that the more you have to lose the more you let fear in, which causes hesitation. I was much more fearless when I was 25 than I am today.
To the extent that Courage is "being afraid, but going anyway" it reflects what you value. This ties into your point of "loving extravagantly". In that moment when something you fear MUST be done, and done NOW. It will be POSSIBLE to make yourself do it, to want to do it, because you value what could be lost (or hurt) if you don't more than you fear the price of doing it. This is why the Self Important make terrible battle leaders, and the Humble frequently make heroes.
Something a lot of people don't realize till they get out there. Great video
Once more into the fray
Into the last good fight Ill ever know
Live and die on this day
Live and die on this day
Im sure you know what movie it's from.
It makes me start to contemplate about the things i would fight for, even if death is certain.
Those things are what make me more courageous.
My wife, my family & innocence...
I think its unselfish love for people that contributes massively to courageousness.
That, and maybe big biceps.
Well said Mr. Lovell. Excellent observations and remarks.
I think a good way to build character and courage is to speak truth at all times. Don’t sugar coat things. This can lead to facing the fire some times whether it be at your own fault or because you are addressing another’s. It takes courage and character to face certain people in our lives and deal with them in whatever manner is healthy.
Love. Courageous people are people who can love passionately. If you can love with passion you can become courageous.
Great video. I have held this creed for a long time: Having skills means nothing, unless you are prepared to use them, when needed.
Someone once said that the mind is the most dangerous weapon we possess. I love your videos because you stress the most important things that are so seldom mentioned.
I don't know how people could train for courage but I know there are certain points in your life where you find it. At least I did. I'm a firefighter and I remember how I felt about going into a burning building and when the opportunity came I saw that everyone else around me was ready and I knew that I had to be ready and every structure fire or incident from that point on I decided that I will be ready mentally and physically for myself and everyone else involved the whole time I just remembered all my training and everything my instructors told me I could literally here them . I look back and they're were definitely things I could have done better but I just knew that the people around me did not show any fear so I could not. Not sure how to learn from that or what to get from it but iI will always remember that call and how I felt before and how it just went away when it was time to go. "Never eat more than your mask can hold" Learn to hustle with a fresh one in your bunkers" . They have good meaning if you think about it . lol Great video .
Value others lives more then your own, courage will follow
From time to time I come back to this video and especially the comments. I learned so much reading thoughtful comments from poets like Shaquille Nuku, Mike Evans and Dave Boothney. John Lovells video reaches into deep issues. I finally got into a class last weekend with John Lovell and already missing the camaraderie. If you're a subscriber to WPS and in the Louisville Ky area and want to get together for coffee, drop a reply.
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I agree with the love thing. If you love and respect others, and what is right is important to you, then it's easier to combat fear and act in courage.
Just as you said, absolute love is the true gateway to absolute courage.
"People kill for money, they don't die for it"(John Lovell) I will remember that forever
so do I , what an amazing statement.
I loved this so much! And some of the comments down here too ! Thank you so much for such a great topic. Looking forward to hearing part 2 when you get some more on it.
John I've been following you! for a while. because you go into deep thought about things. It's one of the things that draw me to see what you have next. I wish youwell as always.
I agree, find those moments in your life rather small or big to combate fear. Ive done it alot, especially with driving. Accidentally hit the unpaved sholder, instead of freaking and yanking it over, breath, ride it put and slowly pull the car back to tbe road. Do stuff you really dont want to do.
In order to develop courage within a person you need to make them become a leader.
A leader always feels responsible for others, will take charge of a situation to fix a problem.
If you're not a responsible person you can not be courageous only reckless.
Responsibility can be learned at an early age, looking after younger siblings, team sports, scouts etc.
Taking ownership of a problem and fixing it is where courage comes from. This applies to both civilian and military life.
I couldn't agree more John.
I just recently found your channel and am enjoying catching up on your content. Keep up the good work.
For me, there are two quotes that sum up my view on this subject:
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:13
"Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway." John Wayne
David R.Glad people are still watching this video.It's a classic. Good to have you subscribe and be sure to view the comments on the videos. If you haven't already noticed, there are a lot of good people here.
Mr. Lovell - first of all, You have one of the most interesting channels on YT I have spotted. Thank you for all the valuable informations and knowledge You share with us, and also for the videos like this one - simply life-wise (if that is a correct expression, as English is not my native language).
But to the topic - I don't think anyone can master, train, evolve something like a courage, which is just one piece of puzzles building ones character. And the character is shaped by our parents, by the surrounding environment we are brought up.
The parents role is the most important though. They are the life road-signs. If there are none nor anybody else that could/would substitute them, it's very easy to get whole adult life messed up (not only ones character).
I was always thaught to be sensitive to others' unjustice, pain.. Though I have never been a superfit, muscle-packed guy/boy, even as a kid, I always intervened to protect my friends. Of course usually it ended with both of us getting a bit bruises from the older and bigger bullies in school :)
The opposit examples are some superfit, power-muscle guys... you could never count on in risky situation.. Fit and strong.. but courageless. I have met some of those in my life too :) Acctually one is my best friend since 35yrs. At least we know each other like old dogs. Once I even got my rib broken because of him (situation as above mentioned, but we were much older), but well.. he was heavily drunk then and really needed immadiate assistance :D
I really liked a sentence can be found in the book of Chris Kyle and in the movie:
"Among people there are sheeps, sheepdogs and wolves. In your life you must be a sheepdog, never a wolf nor sheep."
The role one takes in his life is a matter of a character, not skills..
In my own faith (Celtic reconstructionist paganism) we study the stories of heroes and I've done presentations on warrior ethos. I was asked how one can train for courage or is it inborn. I think the answer is in choosing to do small courageous acts daily. Ask for a raise, stand up for the guy who's picked on, take a chance on trusting a stranger with something small. Do small courageous acts every day. You might achieve more success as a by product, but you become comfortable and accustomed to taking chances and doing extraordinary things. When the crap hits the fan, being out of your comfort zone is routine and you build trust in your ability to overcome adversity.
That confidence in ability in the face of threat is what we call courage.
My concept of courage comes from a different aspect. Where fights are not won with firearms and clear enemies. People are instilled to react a certain way to a threat. So you are right doing something enough, out of your comfort zone or in harm's way, will make you numb emotionally. But basically it all comes down to the fact that what we deem as courage, is simply the action when presented with a grave situation. We would say someone who froze up, and did nothing or ran, is a coward. So it all depends on one's ability to act under stain. Invoke terror when training, so you will know how to systematically react to a given stimuli. Most people are too afraid to die, which is a natural fear. But if grounded in yourself, and know by sacrifice, we can save countless others, and that nobody is going to get off this earth alive, pick the way you go. Live such a great life, that fear may never enter your heart. Leave no unfinished business as another video stated. If you have lived a life of purpose, not chasing what doesn't matter, you can look back and go in peace. For Christians, we know where we go. So don't give an inch to evil, and love as much as you can. Only trial by fire, can reveal who we are, and what we stand for. So unless you test the waters, and learn how to do things before something goes down, can you be ready. You then see how your motor skills, everything goes primal. And to be able to function(or harness your emotions, having complete control and awareness) under those conditions, is a matter of life and death. And the only way to function, is to train under those conditions. It sounds simple, but if it were easy, everyone would do it.
Very good points John. You gave good examples on the tactical level, it's even more complicated when your leaders wether they're political or an officer corps are more interested in industry contracts than the well being of their men or the mission
Wow John, another awesome video, thank you so much for your insight on this subject. This is extremely important to think about, especially as protectors. Thank you for the good content!
I work on courage through my actions on a challenge by challenge basis and challenges come up daily. Every time I win a battle of courage I become more resolute. However, every challenge presents a risk of failure because it's easier at that moment not exercise courage. After going through this challenge cycle enough, I understood that the times I took the "easy way" out haunted me for a long time. The great thing was that these failures gave me conviction to be courageous at the next challenge.
My $.02
"How do you work on courage?" *Pauses video* You work on relationships. Once you have build a relationship then you are able to take that step and know that you died for something worth while. I can say with conviction that I have courage to stand and fight till my last breath for my family. There are friends , beliefs, personal convictions I would stand for. Where I have a doubt if I can do the right thing is here.... I carry a gun to protect my children... I also owe it to them to come home every day.... Could I lay down my life for a stranger knowing I could have left my kids without a dad and my wife alone to raise them? And now after finishing the video, I have added it to favorites so I can come back to it. These videos the ones that make me think are why I subscribed to this channel.
This video was excellent! Scripture is an incredible avenue to study courage. I will say that a quote that has been credited to Heraclitus although was actually part of a group of letters known as The Cynic Epistles comes clearly to my mind here. I believe John has clearly illuminated the main, distinct difference between the men that are entering battle that is described in the quote. Courage...courage is what makes a warrior versus a soldier. Thank you John for an incredible job of explaining courage, what it does, and why we need to work daily towards gaining more of it!
"Out of every one hundred men, ten shouldn't even be there, eighty are just targets, nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back." -Heraclitus
What you said about training for courage is about all there is, except for two things that I can think of. Mostly, a person is either born with an element of courage in his or her personality, or not. Beyond that, life experiences can develop it to a certain extent.
I worked a force protection gig for a couple of years. One thing I learned during that time is that most of the people wouldn't be there if bullets started flying. More than once I heard someone say that they would only give an exact amount of effort for an exact amount of pay. The pay, the food and the living conditions could have all been better and I would constantly tell the new guys, "Remember why you are here. If your only purpose in being here is the money, save yourself some time and quit now". Sometimes courage is just forcing yourself to push through the daily drudge, push through the miserable conditions, push through missing your family. Have a purpose. Have a goal and see it through to whatever end.
This is the one thing that has always amazed me with secret service. It's one thing to have courage for ones self, ones family, or ones friend. But unconditional sacrifice wo hesitation for another... truley an amazing higher place of personal being.
Yes it is character. Your character is who you are while your skills are simply tools from which your inner man may use. To build your inner man you must focus on Right Understanding, Right Intent, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
Awesome sir. Just finished Gates of Fire on your recommendation.
+Tyson McCollum and it was .... AWESOME???!?
John Lovell yes it was incredible.
John Lovell John I mentioned on another video but don't know if you saw it. Could we just get a short slow pan video of your bookshelf with a little narration to get some future reading ideas on different topics for the Warrior Poet?
Skill acquisition and refinement will help build courage. Belief in yourself will help you be courageous when in extreme circumstances. However, some people are just innately courageous regardless of past experience or training. Their character drives them to perform beyond what others would do. I think of Audie Murphy as a prime example.
As a child I was scared to death of the dark. Then one day I got fed up with being afraid. So I went out into a field and camped there all night by myself without any light source. After that I was not afraid of the dark anymore.
I think courage can be birthed out of facing your fears.
How much do you love good, and how much do you hate bad. That sums it up well - the why behind what we train for. This could well be my favorite of your videos, and that's a high bar.
In Greece we seem to always work around some version of our love for home country, our gods or religion, and family. From the three, in ancient times at least, home country was considered the most sacred, the other two being almost equally important! Nowadays it's still the same triad that motivates us in terms of courage.
Practice it everyday. Because a First responder, become a volunteer firefighter, a volunteer police person, a volunteer at your church. These options will help you develop your skills and your courage. There are very few situations like no visibility and fire all around you that will help you understand who you are. Once you know then you can start working on your weaknesses.
I think to an extent courage is either something you have or you don't. You can train it a little and get a little better at it but in the end you either had it inside you or you didn't. I was blessed to play 3 different college sports and in each those that were the best always had that X factor that allowed them to push a little harder. It caused them to hurt more when we lost and it helped them to not dwell on victories.
Courage is every virtue and moral at its testing point.
I would never claim to be courageous but the times I have conquered my personal fears would be best described as a simple lack of options, in as much as the decision to forgo my convictions was unacceptable. I know this might sound pompous, and I have never been "shot at" but to me it's less about cowardice or courage but about being able to live with not doing the right thing. Everyone is afraid or for that matter terrified of something it's just what can you live with. A friend of mine, a Ranger such as your self would be my example I found out while we were working together that he's terrified of heights so I asked him how did you jump out of airplanes he said the only thing that scared him more than the jump was looking his brothers in the eye if he didn't and losing their respect
+Bryan Saunders ha, true words! Besides, courage isn't being fearless - its what we do when we are afraid
+Bryan Saunders oh, and RLTW
A large component of courage is being" stubborn in your Faith", who you are ,what you believe ,and your family .
Found in Martyred saints,the high school girl at the Columbine high school massacre,that Stood up Said she was a Christian Knowing that she would be shot.
The 911Airplane passengersWho said , We might all die but you're not going to win..
You might be a good philosopher someday and Catholic...great video..
If you are already sacrificing everything for those you love, there isn’t much you won’t do for them. Running towards a threat is a natural reaction at that point.
One tool to help is mental scenario training. Learn to play out a scenario in your mind that induces the fight or flight response and then envision each action sequentially while under the release of adrenaline. Hard to do but sometimes thought of a loved one in danger, music, a movie scene, etc. can help get you there. For me, this mental exercise has correlations to when I acted under actual danger, but It would need more study to know what was cause and what was effect.
Love your videos, I'm one of the earlier subs and really like seeing this channel grow. You are truly doing something good here John, please keep up the good work. As to trying to make courage grow, taken your family to some training where they are the hostages and you have to save them(like in your home) might help develop it, just an idea.
"How much are you invested" = Courage
exactly right.... love hard and u will be able to fight hard
Great videos John! I really enjoy hearing your perspectives. Keep em up!