Courage is not the absence of fear. It is feeling the fear and deciding that something else matters more: your dream, your family, your values or simply the next step.
Most of these courage quotes were written by our editors. We added a small set of verified classics and King James verses, each with its source.
Our editor’s top picks
- Courage is fear that decided to take one more step.
- Be brave enough to start, even if you’re not sure how it ends.
- You don’t have to feel ready to be brave.
- Every brave thing begins with a shaky first breath.
- Courage grows every time you use it.
Short courage quotes
For sticky notes and lock screens.
- Be brave today.
- Fear less, live more.
- Scared and doing it anyway.
- Brave looks good on you.
- Take the leap.
- Courage over comfort.
- Try anyway.
- Small steps take courage too.
Quotes about facing fear
For moments when fear feels loud.
- Fear is a feeling, not a fact.
- The things you fear most often shrink when you face them.
- Let fear come along, but never let it steer.
- On the other side of fear is a stronger you.
- Being afraid means you care. Do it anyway.
- Fear wants you small. Courage wants you free.
- Your comfort zone is cozy, but nothing grows there.
- Name your fear, then take its power away.
Quiet courage quotes
Courage doesn’t always roar.
- Some days courage is just getting out of bed.
- Asking for help is an act of courage.
- Saying “I’m sorry” takes a brave heart.
- Starting over is one of the bravest things you can do.
- Choosing kindness in a hard moment is quiet courage.
- Speaking your truth, even softly, is brave.
- It takes courage to rest when the world says hustle.
- Healing is a brave choice you make every day.
Verified classic quotes about courage
Public-domain lines with sources.
- “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” — Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
- “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart.” — Psalm 27:14 (KJV)
- “There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.” — Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (1813)
- “Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.” — Abraham Lincoln, Cooper Union Address (1860)
- “I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” — Louisa May Alcott, Little Women (1868)
Courage quotes to share with someone
Encouragement for friends and family.
- You are braver than you think, and I’m cheering for you.
- I believe in you, even on the days you don’t.
- Go do the brave thing. I’ll be here either way.
- Your courage inspires me more than you know.
- Whatever happens, I’m proud of you for trying.
- You’ve faced hard things before. You can do this too.
- Take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
- Courage doesn’t mean you’re alone. I’m with you.
Frequently asked questions
How we put this list together: Original quotes are written by our editors. Classics come from verified public-domain sources, and Bible verses use exact King James Version wording. Written and reviewed by John Moler, editor at Graceful Names. See our editorial policy.
