Is it courage when one hates life (wishes it would end), but is ashamed to admit it?

Question

...then joins the army, goes to Iraq and dies in combat? Was that courage?

Answer 1

That's more like "suicide-by-cop", doing something purposefully in hopes that it will end life.

Answer 2

No, it is not courage.

A philosopher would say that humans are the only creature who can choose to finish his life. Animals are programed to stay alive and reproduce, never to terminate their own life.

Happiness is possible on earth, but life can be difficult sometimes. Often, we face no mayor tragedy, but many small inconveniences. Sometimes, we find no reason to stay alive. It takes courage to find reasons to live. It is not heroics, where a brave action of a moment. Such is television, such is not real. Courage is to go on, day by day, learning a little more every moment, even when you feel tired and bored.

Answer 3

Hard to say.
Going into combat takes major courage.
But if your friend was really down of life, this could have been an alternate form of suicide.

Answer 4

That particular act isn't showing courage, it's showing depression and futility.

BUT, considering how many months it takes to train and get sent over, can you say for sure they didn't get over it?

And if they didn't, it doesn't mean they didn't show bravery and distinction in the process fo committing suicide by battle.

Answer 5

I think it takes more courage to kill yourself.
There are plenty of situations you can put yourself in where someone else will do it for you.

Answer 6

depends. did they want to kill to preserve something (like a nation), or did they kill because they wanted the thrill of killing? the intent weights more than the action

Answer 7

maybe for some it might be, i wont even watch anything /re: the war anymore, it's time for 'adults' to grow up!!!!!, & STOP hurting each-other.