Arretu t1_jeatex6 wrote
Reply to comment by Culverin in Russian secret service seizes Wall Street Journal journalist who wrote about Wagner Group by 9lobaldude
>Does that make him brave or stupid?
I think that's something that is almost inevitably in the eye of the beholder at the time, and at the whims of history later.
HeyImGilly t1_jeatxdz wrote
That’s a great way to put it.
Arretu t1_jeavhcj wrote
To elaborate, I personally see his actions as inherently brave. He must have had an understanding of the risks involved, and chose to do it anyway based on his beliefs.
If I were in his shoes, and not being as socially-minded as he clearly is, it would be a stupid decision to make. I honestly value mine and my wife's well being above the entire rest of humanity. Making the choice he did would be counter-productive to what I want, and therefore stupid. I am sure he weighed up his responsibilities and moral imperatives and came to the best decision he could, and I frankly don't have the balls to call someone like that stupid.
All that aside, bravery is not a trait that is in any way related to ethics or morality. A terrorist can be brave. The ability to overcome situational fear and act (which is generally what ends up being called bravery) is a useful trait, and can be used for good. That doesn't mean it is always used for good. Bravery can be selfish - if you overcome fear to do something for your benefit at the cost of others, that's still bravery.
In my eyes, this guy did not only make a brave choice. He made a positive moral choice, too. That earns a lot of respect, in my eyes, geopolitical consequences be damned.
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