As you know, the Stoics revere four virtues: Courage. Temperance. Justice. Wisdom. These were extraordinary things, according to Marcus Aurelius—keystones to a good life. In fact, even their name, “the cardinal virtues,” references their pivotal nature. “Cardinal” doesn’t refer to a religious position but instead comes from the Latin cardos, meaning “hinge.”

But of course, not all these virtues are created equal. Courage comes first—for a reason. As C.S Lewis would write, “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” There is no justice, no self-discipline, no wisdom without courage.

The point is not that the Stoics were courageous—though they were—but rather that there is no Stoicism without courage. How could Cato choose to be so transgressively self-disciplined—wearing no fancy clothes, perfumes or tempting feasts—if he was afraid to be seen as different? Think of the courage required for Thomas Wentworth Higginson, a translator of Epictetus, to serve at the head of a black regiment for the Union Army in the American Civil War, a righteous and just cause if there ever was one. You think it wasn’t scary for Zeno to found a new philosophical school from nothing—to more or less hang a shingle in the middle of the Agora one morning out of nowhere—dedicating his life to wisdom, even though it pitted him against considerable resistance and attacks from rival schools?

Nothing great in this life is possible without physical and moral courage. You can’t be afraid. You have to be brave. You have to answer the call. Because if you don’t, as the famous question poses, who will? Where would we be if nobody stepped up? If everyone took counsel of their fears? Certainly we would not have Stoicism. Nor will we have any of the wonderful accomplishments you are capable of achieving—if only you were brave enough…

…to stand up

…to sit down

…to risk

…to speak out

…to try.

Courage is Calling. Answer it.