The line separating courageous behavior from stupid behavior is oftentimes so narrow and fuzzy that it is indistinguishable. Therefore and wholly unsurprisingly, these two seemingly polar opposite character traits are nearly synonymous in meaning. Courage cannot normally be distinguished from stupidity and stupidity cannot normally be distinguished from courage, and don’t allow some schmaltzy so-called “expert” convince you otherwise. What is the only factor that sets them apart? Circumstances. Circumstances alone will determine whether you are a hero or a fool, a paladin or a buffoon, a swashbuckler or a clown, an exemplar or a poster child for malfeasance…..and nothing else. I know this truth is counterintuitive and sobering, but then again so is life.
Fred's Soapbox 