 Bertrand Russell Quotes 366 |
I suggest that training in physical courage should be as far as possible given by teaching skill in manipulating or controlling matter, not by means of bodily contests with other human beings. The kind of courage required for mountaineering, for manipulating an aeroplane, or for managing a small ship in a gale, seems to me far more admirable than the sort required in fighting.
Source: Bertrand Russell: On Education, especially in early childhood, 1926, Pt. 2： Education of character, chap. 4: Fear.
More info.： https://russell-j.com/beginner/OE04-110.HTM
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Here, Russell offers advice on how children can develop physical courage, but similar advice is applicable to adults as well. Modern people frequently watch sports on TV or the internet, but the majority hardly engage in sports that involve physical activity themselves. While some spend their weekends playing golf, their numbers are not particularly large, and playing golf often requires traveling far by vehicle.
Furthermore, the sports that modern people commonly watch are mostly competitions between individuals (or teams) and other individuals (or teams). These are typically performed by professional athletes and are far beyond what the average person could imitate. It is clear that merely watching sports does not help one develop physical abilities or physical courage. That said, there seem to be quite a few people who feel as if they have become stronger simply by watching martial arts matches...
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