Values Quotes – Michel de Montaigne on Valor

Todays quote is from Michel de Montaigne, one of the most influential writers of the French Renaissance.

A thoughtful quote of his was:
“Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul.”

Montaigne made this statement during the French Wars of Religion, in the later half of the 1500s. Over a 40-year period, there were at least eight different wars – bloody battles of various factions grasping for power. This was a time when the value of valor was well understood.

As a differentiating value, Valor means strength of mind in regard to danger; or personal bravery. This is as important today as it was in Montaigne’s time.

Now, maybe you don’t feel under attack physically – though this too still occurs. No, today we often find ourselves caught up in emotional, mental, and even spiritual battles.

So how do we survive? As Montaigne suggested, valor can provide stability.

It’s when we demonstrate courage to persevere and never give up. It’s when we bravely lean into challenges, and fight the battles that threaten our faith. And most importantly, it’s when we rely on the strength and support from God that gives us the true courage to prove our valor.

So I encourage you to have courage. Be brave. And embrace the value of valor!

 

Today’s value was selected from the “Confidence-Courage” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.