# Moral Courage **Domain:** Ethics / Action **Doc Type:** Concept Node **Maturity:** Developed ## Definition **Moral courage** is the willingness to act according to an examined ethical commitment when doing so carries social, emotional, professional, or material risk. ## Mechanism and Practice Moral courage joins conscience to conduct. It requires enough self-command to tolerate exposure, disagreement, and possible loss while remaining accountable for the effects of one's action. Repeated acts of truthful, proportionate conduct make courage less theatrical and more dependable. ## Relationships - **Related concepts:** [[wiki/Courage|Courage]] · [[wiki/Accountability|Accountability]] · [[wiki/Leadership|Leadership]] ## Simple Reminders, Quotations, and Thoughts > “Announcing a change takes courage. Declaring that you will reclaim your health or pursue a goal invites both encouragement and doubt, and the fear of being judged if you fail keeps many people silent and stuck.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *Courage, Imperfection, and Sustainable Change - Livestream (Sep 2017)* [[reminders/Moral Courage/Announcing Change Takes Courage by Bryant McGill|Announcing Change Takes Courage by Bryant McGill]] > “Doing the right thing can cost relationships with powerful people. Someone who redirects attention toward a suffering stranger may upset those who wanted the spotlight. Standing by such a choice reveals true priorities.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *Underdogs, Institutional Power, and Building the Royal Society - Livestream (Nov 2015)* [[reminders/Moral Courage/Doing Right Can Cost Powerful Relationships by Bryant McGill|Doing Right Can Cost Powerful Relationships by Bryant McGill]]