Do not seek to eliminate fear, but possess the heart to overcome it

This is a continuation of the 27th entry of the "Tamogami-style Seven Rules of Conduct."

1. Have courage

I believe this was written by author Ayako Sono in her book "Who Educates?" It seems to be a quote from Goethe.

"Do not lament because you have no money.
Do not lament because you have failed.
Do not lament because you have lost your honor.
There will always be chances to regain these if you work hard from now on.
But if you lose your courage, it is all over."

These words remain in my mind.
Is it not this "courage" that is lacking not only in today's young people, but in the Japanese people as a whole?
Courage is the readiness to overcome the wall of one's own fear, and the fighting spirit to challenge unknown anxieties.
With courage, one can overcome fear and challenge the unknown.

George Patton, an American military hero during World War II, said, "If you define courage as being fearless, then I have never seen a brave man. Everyone is afraid. A brave man is someone who overcomes that fear and gets the job done."

Do you understand? Everyone has fear.
Therefore, it is not about eliminating fear, but about having the heart to overcome it.

To do that, one must have a sense of mission, self-esteem, pride, and a burning desire for success.
That is what teaches us to turn those who are afraid into those who are courageous.

A true hero is someone who is prepared to put their body on the line for their beliefs and justice.
If that man does not put his body on the line for his beliefs, it is said that either his beliefs are fake, or the man himself is a fraud.

Reading this again, I remember hearing once that "it takes courage to retreat."
Whether moving forward or retreating, courage is necessary.

What about the Prime Minister's resignation, which is in the news?
Is it the courage to continue, or the courage to resign?
I hope they act in a way that does not bring shame to the nation.