The Search for Peace in Times of Chaos—Volume Ǥ ǡ .”19 (SGI President Daisaku Ikeda shares his thoughts on many themes of daily life through the website by Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda [www.ikedaquotes.org] The following are just a few examples from “Courage, Aging, Difficulties, and Life.”) Courage Strength and wisdom well up in those who consciously take on everything as the…person responsible for achieving their goals The biggest obstacles to our progress exist within our own lives in the form of cowardice and the tendency to give up Courage is the force that creates history It’s important to have the courage to say what needs to be said at the crucial moment The important thing is to take that first step Bravely overcoming one small fear gives you the courage to take on the next It takes courage to become happy, courage to remain true to one’s convictions, courage not to be defeated by one’s weaknesses and negativity, courage to take swift action to help those who are suffering No matter how wonderful our dreams, how noble our ideals, or how high our hopes, ultimately we need courage to make them a reality Without action, it’s as if they never existed Those who lack courage run away from hardship, seeking only to live a life of ease and comfort Thus one who lacks courage cannot help others If you summon your courage to challenge something, you’ll never be left with regret…Whatever the outcome may be, the important thing is to step forward on the path that you believe is right.20