Why Courage Matters (2004) by John McCain is a heartfelt exploration of bravery, blending personal memoir, historical anecdotes, and philosophical reflection. The late U.S. Senator and Vietnam War POW draws from his own harrowing experiences in captivity (including torture and solitary confinement) to examine what it means to act with courage in the face of fear, whether on the battlefield, in politics, or everyday life.
McCain profiles diverse figures—from Civil Rights activists to ordinary people facing extraordinary trials—to argue that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the will to persevere despite it. His prose is direct and poignant, avoiding partisan rhetoric in favor of universal ideals like honor and resilience.
More inspirational manifesto than political memoir, this book reflects McCain’s belief that courage is a choice available to all.
