“Political courage resembles true courage but is driven by honor and shame.”
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book III, Chapter 8
(Translated by W.D. Ross)
Straight Talk
Political courage is like buying knockoff designer bags 👜:
- For Show = Flaunt fake Gucci for Instagram likes → Popular but fake.
- Real Guts = Use a thrift store bag + donate to homeless → No likes but peace of mind.
Real-Life Scenarios
🏫 School Election
→ Political: Promise no homework to win votes → Elected but grades crash.
→ Real: Keep homework + add tutoring → Lose election but boost college chances.
🏢 Office Meeting
→ Political: Nod at boss’s terrible idea → Promotion now, layoffs later.
→ Real: Say “This’ll bankrupt us” → Hated but save the company.
📱 Social Media
→ Political: Share conspiracy memes for clout → Viral but harmful.
→ Real: Correct friends’ misinformation → Mocked but spread truth.
3-Step Action Plan
- Motive Checklist
Before deciding, write:- 👍 How many likes?
- 😴 Will I sleep well?
- Funeral Test
Ask:
“Would this choice make my funeral speech?”
→ If NO → Probably just for clout. - Secret Goodness
Do 1 anonymous good deed weekly:
→ Shovel neighbor’s snow secretly.
→ Donate $10 anonymously to a food bank.