I'll agree with comms that courage and bravery are not the same but I disagree with his definition of bravery.

Bravery is not the absence of fear. Bravery is continuing on in the face of fear or not letting your fears dictate your actions.

Courage is harder to define. It is doing the right thing or persevering due to your personal convictions despite the odds or cost.

As an example, walking on a very high ledge may require bravery if you are afraid of heights, but doesn't require usually require courage. Courage may also be involved if there is a driving motivation - like trying to save someone vs just taking a high risk walk.

If you aren't afraid you cannot be brave, you are fearless and can appear to be brave.

If there is no cause, cost or effort involved you are not demonstrating courage.

I firmly believe that both of these can be taught, learned and practiced but like any skill some people will have greater ability than others when called on to exercise the skill.

Well that's my $0.02 worth,

- Eric