“Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means at the point of highest reality. ” -C.S. Lewis

"courage is an ethical reality, but it is rooted in the whole breadth of human existence and ultimately in the structure of being itself” -Paul Tillich

The pursuit of all virtue rests on a foundation of courage.

The primary courage is the courage to accept yourself as you are.

This is the beginning of virtue.

Somewhat paradoxically, it is only when you've truly accepted yourself as you are that you can begin to change.

Courage properly practiced is a precursor for the pursuit of any other virtues like Wisdom, Love, Integrity and Justice.

Be courageous enough to see and accept yourself as you are.

Paul Tillich, the great 20th Century theologian and existential philosopher, lays this out beautifully and thoroughly in 'The Courage to Be,' one of the most important books you could ever read.