Courage - Professor Cynthia Pury

“I define Courage as taking a worthwhile risk” Dr Cynthia Pury

According to Dr Cynthia Pury, courage is about taking a worthwhile risk. Dr Pury has devoted her career to understanding courage. A clinical psychologist as well as an academic, her ideas about courage are useful in thinking about how we can overcome fears and live a more courageous life.

In

her book, The Psychology of Courage, she argues that courage is a conscious choice. We are not courageous by accident. Courageous acts are motivated by noble goals like developing oneself, doing good or contributing to something bigger than ourselves. Courage isn’t trivial.

Her research on courage is inspired by stories of courage from ancient literature to present day. She is fascinated by people rising to the occasion to overcome adversity.

Some of her studies highlight courageous acts like seeking treatment for mental health problems. This can be particularly hard in environments which are judgmental and see mental health issues as weaknesses.

Courageous acts involve understanding what is worthwhile as well as the risks involved. Sometimes we need to be reminded that our hopes and dreams are worthwhile.

Cynthia is Professor of Psychology at Clemson University, in Clemson, South Carolina, USA. She is trained as a clinical psychologist specialising in anxiety disorders.