this is a critical analysis of an article from the textbook for University Foundations 300

1. “Courage”
March 11, 2014
Cornel West’s “Courage” describes the importance of thinking critically in order to develop individual
thoughts. He writes, “Thinking for oneself is based on a particular kind of courage in which you hold
truth, wisdom, and honesty in high esteem.” The article expresses how too often we go with whatever
we have grown up being taught to believe—accepting these beliefs and mistaking them as our own
creations of individual thoughts. Sadly, we rarely look at all of the facts.Rarely do we set aside our
beliefs and question where they stem from.Individual stances on animalconservation/rights are no
different than stances on racism or sexism described in the article. For this reason, West makes it easy
to apply his ideas of courage to the importance of preserving nature’s wildlife. Obtaining a true,
individual stance on animal conservation requires the courage to think critically; the courage to
disregard the popular opinions of society and seek out a self-informed opinion of your own. The courage
to find this truth is within all of us and will create a more informed and equipped ability to fight animal
oppression wherever it may exist.