The Courage it Takes to Recover from a Scam – For Scam Victims in Recovery
Plato’s Concept of Courage Compared to Other Philosophers and Modern Views and How It Applies to Scam Victim Recovery
Primary Category: Scam Victims Recovery Philosophy
Intended Audience: Scam Victims-Survivors / Family & Friends
Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Based, in part, on and interpretation of the works of Plato and Jordan Peterson
About This Article
Plato’s concept of courage, rooted in reason and the pursuit of justice, offers a profound framework for understanding resilience in the face of adversity. Unlike the traditional Greek view of courage as mere battlefield bravery, Plato emphasized the importance of maintaining right beliefs and enduring hardship with wisdom. His ideas contrast with Aristotle’s perspective, which sees courage as a balance between recklessness and cowardice, and with Stoic philosophy, which views courage as the mastery of emotions and acceptance of suffering.
Modern psychology expands on these ideas, exploring courage as the ability to act despite fear, regulate emotional responses, and cultivate resilience. Buddhist philosophy, in turn, teaches courage as an inner strength—fearlessness rooted in wisdom, compassion, and non-attachment. For scam victims, these insights reveal that courage is not about ignoring fear but about facing it with reason, persistence, and self-respect. True courage lies in resisting shame and despair, taking small steps toward recovery, and learning to trust wisely again. Whether through structured action, mindfulness, or moral conviction, cultivating courage allows scam victims to transform pain into growth, reclaim their sense of identity, and rebuild their lives with resilience and wisdom.
Plato’s Concept of Courage Compared to Other Philosophers and Modern Views and How It Applies to Scam Victim Recovery
Introduction: What Is Courage?
Courage is one of the most celebrated virtues in human history. It has been praised by philosophers, warriors, and leaders as an essential quality for facing adversity.
But what exactly is courage?
Is it the fearless charge into battle, the unwavering commitment to truth, or the quiet determination to endure hardship?
In its simplest form, courage is the ability to act despite fear. It is not the absence of fear but the refusal to be controlled by it.
The Greek philosopher Plato saw courage as one of the four cardinal virtues, describing it as the strength to uphold what is right and true even in the face of danger, suffering, or external pressure. Courage is not just about bold action; it is also about endurance, resilience, and the ability to remain steadfast in one’s convictions. Plato’s discussion of courage in The Republic is deeply tied to his broader ideas about justice, virtue, and the structure of both the soul and society. However, his definition of courage is distinct from other philosophical traditions—both in ancient times and today.
For scam victims, courage takes on a deeply personal and psychological meaning. It is not about fighting physical enemies but about resisting self-doubt, shame, and despair. After experiencing deception, many victims feel paralyzed by guilt, fear, and regret. They may isolate themselves, lose faith in their own judgment, or struggle to move forward. True courage in this context is the willingness to confront these painful emotions, take responsibility for recovery, and reclaim control over one’s life.
This article explores Plato’s (and a few others) concept of courage and how scam victims can apply it to their own healing process. It will examine how courage is not just a single bold act but a continuous commitment to resisting fear and restoring inner strength, drawing insights from classical philosophy and modern psychology. By understanding and cultivating courage, scam victims can begin the journey from victimhood to empowerment.
Plato vs. Traditional Greek Views on Courage
Before Plato, Greek culture largely associated courage (andreia) with physical bravery in battle. In Homeric traditions, warriors like Achilles and Hector embodied courage as fearlessness and strength in the face of danger. This concept of courage was rooted in personal honor and martial excellence. This is often what most people imagine when they thing of courage, but that is not actually correct.
Plato departs from this view by arguing that courage is not just about battlefield heroics. Instead, it is about preserving correct beliefs about what is truly to be feared. This means that true courage requires wisdom—knowing when fear is justified and when it is not. A courageous person does not merely rush into battle but endures suffering, hardship, and external pressures while remaining committed to what is right.
For example: a soldier who fights in a war because of blind aggression or a love of violence is not courageous in Plato’s view. Courage must be guided by reason and must serve the greater good of justice. This aligns with his belief that each part of the soul (reason, spirit, and appetite) must play its proper role.
Plato vs. Aristotle on Courage
Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, also treats courage as a virtue but frames it differently. For Aristotle:
- Courage is a mid-point between rashness and cowardice. A truly courageous person is not reckless but also does not flee from fear when it is necessary to stand firm.
- Courage involves choosing to endure fear and hardship for the right reason—it must serve a noble purpose.
- The highest form of courage is dying for a noble cause, such as defending one’s city or loved ones.
While Plato and Aristotle agree that courage must be tied to wisdom, Aristotle focuses more on habit and character development. He believes that people become courageous through repeated practice, rather than through an innate connection between reason and spirit as Plato suggests.
Stoic Courage vs. Plato’s Courage
The Stoics, such as Seneca and Epictetus, take courage in a different direction. Stoic courage is about emotional resilience—learning to accept suffering, loss, and hardship without being emotionally disturbed. The Stoics argue that courage comes from accepting fate and mastering one’s desires and fears. In this sense, their idea of courage is closer to Plato’s view than Aristotle’s because it emphasizes the role of reason in overcoming fear.
However, while Plato sees courage as a specific function of the spirited part of the soul, the Stoics believe courage comes from achieving complete rational control over emotions. A true Stoic does not fear death or loss because they have trained themselves to detach from external concerns.
Modern Psychological Views on Courage
Today, courage is often examined through the lens of psychology, ethics, and social behavior.
Some modern perspectives include:
Psychological Courage
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- Contemporary psychologists define courage as the ability to act despite fear, uncertainty, or personal risk.
- Research in neuroscience suggests that courage involves regulating emotional responses in the brain, particularly in areas like the amygdala (which processes fear) and the prefrontal cortex (which governs rational decision-making).
- Exposure therapy in psychology is based on the idea that repeatedly facing fears weakens their hold, much like Aristotle’s idea that courage is cultivated through practice.
Moral Courage
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- Moral courage refers to standing up for what is right, even when facing personal loss, criticism, or punishment. This aligns closely with Plato’s emphasis on preserving correct beliefs despite external pressures.
- Examples include whistleblowers, activists, and those who risk social rejection to defend justice.
- Psychologists studying moral courage suggest that it requires a strong sense of personal values and a willingness to endure discomfort for a higher purpose—echoing both Plato and Aristotle.
Social Courage
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- Social courage involves being vulnerable, speaking one’s mind, or taking risks in personal relationships.
- This form of courage relates to overcoming fear of judgment or rejection, which is different from the physical or moral courage discussed by ancient philosophers.
- In a world dominated by social media, where fear of public shame can be paralyzing, this kind of courage is increasingly relevant.
Courage for Scam Victims: Applying Plato’s Wisdom to the Journey of Recovery
For scam victims, courage is not about physical bravery in battle but about resisting self-blame, shame, and despair—the psychological and emotional burdens that scams leave behind. After being deceived, many victims experience intense feelings of guilt, believing that they should have been more careful, more skeptical, or better informed. The emotional weight of betrayal can lead to hopelessness, where victims feel they will never regain their lost money, trust, or sense of security. However, Plato’s concept of courage provides a path forward—a way to endure these struggles without allowing them to define one’s life.
True Courage is Not Reckless Action
Plato argues that true courage is not reckless action but the ability to preserve right beliefs despite external pressures.
In the case of scam victims, this means recognizing that:
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- Fear and regret must be evaluated rationally, rather than allowed to dominate.
- Courage is essential for persisting in the recovery process, rather than succumbing to hopelessness.
- Courage is not just about fighting external threats but about preserving inner truth and self-respect.
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Understanding Fear and Regret Rationally
One of the biggest struggles scam victims face is the emotional spiral of fear and regret. After being deceived, the mind constantly replays the event, searching for ways it could have been prevented.
Victims ask themselves:
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- “How could I have been so stupid?”
- “Why didn’t I see the signs?”
- “Will I ever trust anyone again?”
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These automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) feed a cycle of self-blame, reinforcing a distorted sense of personal failure. However, Plato teaches that courage involves maintaining truth despite external pressures.
Scam victims must challenge these irrational beliefs with reason, understanding that:
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- Scammers are professionals at deception—they manipulate human psychology with expert precision.
- Being scammed does not define intelligence—even highly educated and experienced individuals have fallen victim.
- Fear and regret are natural but must be put in perspective—focusing on what can be done moving forward is more productive than endlessly replaying the past.
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A courageous response does not ignore these emotions but evaluates them rationally, refusing to be enslaved by regret.
Courage as Persistence in Rebuilding
After a scam, many victims experience a profound sense of loss—not just financial loss but also loss of trust, self-esteem, and security. Some victims withdraw from social interactions, fearing judgment or further betrayal. Others become consumed by anger, either at themselves or at the scammer, which can lead to obsession with revenge or justice.
Plato’s concept of courage teaches that enduring hardship without losing sight of what is true and good is essential. This means persisting through the emotional and practical challenges of recovery, even when the future feels uncertain.
Victims can apply this principle by:
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- Taking small but meaningful steps toward rebuilding their lives—whether that means reporting the scam, securing their finances, or seeking support from trusted individuals.
- Reestablishing trust in a measured way—not shutting down completely, but learning to set healthy boundaries and verify information before making decisions.
- Seeking knowledge and personal growth—learning about scams and fraud prevention not as a way to dwell on the past but as a tool for future empowerment.
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Plato’s vision of courage emphasizes that strength is found in persistence, not in immediate victory. Every small step taken to regain control, no matter how minor, is an act of courage.
Preserving Inner Truth and Self-Respect
Perhaps the most critical lesson from Plato’s concept of courage is that one’s sense of self must not be dictated by external misfortune. Scam victims often internalize the deception, seeing it as a personal flaw rather than what it is: an intentional and malicious act by a fraudster.
Courage, in Plato’s sense, requires victims to hold onto their true value despite feelings of shame.
This means:
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- Recognizing self-worth beyond financial loss—a scam does not diminish personal integrity, intelligence, or moral character.
- Resisting the urge to define oneself by the scam—understanding that recovery is a journey, not a permanent label of “victimhood.”
- Focusing on growth rather than revenge—anger toward the scammer is understandable, but true strength comes from moving forward rather than remaining trapped in resentment.
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Courage, then, is not just about fighting external battles—it is about maintaining mental resilience, self-compassion, and the pursuit of wisdom even in the face of adversity.
Jordan Peterson’s Insights: Courage as an Ongoing Commitment
Jordan Peterson, drawing from classical philosophy, frequently emphasizes that courage is the first step toward rebuilding a shattered life.
In his lectures and writings, he discusses how individuals must take responsibility for their recovery, no matter how unfair their circumstances may be. This aligns with Plato’s belief that courage is not just a single grand act, but a continuous effort to resist fear and disorder.
Peterson suggests that people can begin the process of rebuilding by:
- Taking small, structured actions to create order—starting with something as simple as organizing one’s living space, setting daily goals, or taking control of finances.
- Facing fears head-on but in manageable steps—not avoiding trust or financial decisions indefinitely, but approaching them cautiously and with wisdom.
- Seeking community and structured support—whether through therapy, victim support groups, or trusted friends and mentors.
His advice mirrors Plato’s concept that courage is not about being fearless, but about enduring fear with reason and discipline. Scam victims can take strength in knowing that every act of resistance against fear and despair—no matter how small—is an act of courage.
Courage in the Buddhist Tradition
In Buddhism, courage is not typically defined in the same way as in Western philosophy, where it is often associated with heroism or bold action. Instead, Buddhist courage is deeply tied to inner strength, patience, and the ability to face suffering with wisdom and compassion. It is the courage to confront reality as it is, accept impermanence, and walk the path toward enlightenment despite challenges.
Courage as Fearlessness (Abhaya)
One of the most well-known aspects of courage in Buddhism is abhaya, or fearlessness. This is not a reckless disregard for danger but a deep, inner fearlessness that comes from understanding the nature of suffering and impermanence. When one realizes that all things are constantly changing and that attachment to illusions causes suffering, fear loses its grip. The Buddha often spoke of fearlessness as the ability to see through illusions and act with wisdom, rather than being controlled by fear and desire.
The Courage to Face Suffering (Dukkha)
The Buddha’s first noble truth acknowledges dukkha, or suffering, as an unavoidable part of life. True courage in Buddhism is the willingness to face suffering without running away from it, denying it, or becoming consumed by it. This means developing mental resilience, accepting suffering as part of existence, and responding with wisdom rather than fear or despair.
In Buddhist teachings, courage is not about fighting suffering directly but about transforming one’s relationship with it. Through meditation, mindfulness, and ethical living, a person can learn to endure difficulties without being overwhelmed by them.
The Courage to Let Go (Non-Attachment)
Another key aspect of courage in Buddhism is letting go—of attachments, ego, and false security. People often cling to material possessions, relationships, or even ideas of themselves in an effort to find stability, but Buddhism teaches that true stability comes from accepting impermanence.
Letting go requires great courage because it means embracing uncertainty. This is particularly relevant to scam victims, who may struggle with the pain of loss—of money, trust, or self-worth. The Buddhist perspective encourages them to release attachment to the past and find peace in the present moment. Instead of being trapped by regret or anger, they can develop acceptance and move forward without being defined by what happened.
The Courage to Act with Compassion (Karuna)
In Buddhism, courage is also closely linked with karuna, or compassion. True strength is not just about enduring suffering, but about choosing kindness and understanding in response to it. The Buddha taught that those who cultivate compassion develop an unshakable inner peace because they are no longer controlled by their own suffering or resentment.
For scam victims, this form of courage means not allowing betrayal to turn into bitterness or cynicism. It means recognizing that, while they were deceived, they can still choose how they respond. Instead of closing off or distrusting everyone, they can cultivate wisdom and compassion, both for themselves and for others, including those who may have been manipulated into wrongdoing.
The Courage to Seek Truth (Dharma)
Buddhism encourages seekers to question illusions, challenge ignorance, and seek truth. The courage to follow the Dharma (truth and teachings of the Buddha) requires stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, questioning old assumptions, and embracing a new way of seeing the world.
For scam victims, this means having the courage to see beyond self-blame, illusions of control, or unrealistic expectations of justice. It involves confronting hard truths about human nature, deception, and vulnerability, while also recognizing their own ability to grow and rebuild.
Applying Buddhist Courage to Scam Recovery
Scam victims often feel trapped by fear, shame, and self-doubt. Buddhist wisdom offers a path to inner liberation through courage that is not about fighting external enemies, but about mastering the mind and emotions.
Applying Buddhist courage to recovery includes:
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- Mindfulness (Sati) – Becoming aware of thoughts and emotions without being controlled by them.
- Non-Attachment (Upekkha) – Letting go of the past and focusing on what can be done in the present.
- Compassion (Karuna) – Treating oneself with kindness rather than self-blame.
- Wisdom (Prajna) – Learning from the experience and using it to grow rather than remain in suffering.
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The Courage to Walk the Path
Buddhist courage is not about aggression or defiance, but about inner strength, acceptance, and the ability to face suffering with wisdom and compassion. For scam victims, this means recognizing that, while they have experienced loss, they are not defined by that loss. The path forward is not through dwelling on anger or regret, but through developing mindfulness, releasing attachment, and finding peace in self-awareness and personal growth. In doing so, they embody the deepest form of courage—the courage to awaken.
Conclusion: Courage as a Guiding Force for Scam Victim Recovery
Courage is often thought of as a bold and dramatic act, but as Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, modern psychologists, and Buddhist philosophy all suggest, true courage is a lifelong practice that manifests in quiet, determined resilience. It is not about the absence of fear, but about facing fear with reason, discipline, and a commitment to personal growth. For scam victims, courage is not just about seeking justice or recovering lost finances—it is about reclaiming their identity, self-respect, and ability to trust again.
Plato’s concept of courage reminds us that enduring hardship with wisdom is a fundamental part of a well-ordered soul. Aristotle emphasizes that courage is cultivated through habit, reinforcing the idea that healing takes time and repeated effort. The Stoics teach that courage means mastering emotions and accepting what cannot be changed, while modern psychology highlights the importance of exposure, resilience, and moral conviction in overcoming fear. Buddhism, in turn, offers a path of inner strength, where courage is the ability to face suffering with mindfulness, compassion, and non-attachment.
For scam victims, this means understanding that the emotional toll of deception—shame, regret, and fear—does not define their character or future. The courage to move forward involves taking small but meaningful steps, confronting negative thoughts, and resisting the temptation to isolate or withdraw. It requires the ability to challenge self-blame with reason, to persist despite setbacks, and to rebuild trust in oneself and others with wisdom. Every effort to heal, no matter how small, is an act of courage.
Ultimately, courage is not just about surviving hardship, but about using adversity as a foundation for growth. Scam victims who embrace courage in its philosophical and psychological dimensions will find that their recovery is not just about regaining what was lost, but about emerging stronger, wiser, and more resilient than before.
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
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A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
SCARS Resources:
- Getting Started: ScamVictimsSupport.org
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- Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
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- Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
- Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
- Learn more about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
- Learn more about the Psychology of Scams and Scam Victims: ScamPsychology.org
- Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
- Worldwide Crisis Hotlines: International Suicide Hotlines – OpenCounseling : OpenCounseling
- Campaign To End Scam Victim Blaming – 2024 (scamsnow.com)
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here
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Please share your thoughts in a comment below!
Muy buen articulo estoy de auerdo. El coraje para superar adversidades es un componente esencial de la salud mental y el bienestar. Implica una combinación de resiliencia, fortaleza mental y habilidades de afrontamiento que permiten a las personas enfrentar los desafíos de la vida con confianza y determinación y para la victima de estafa es una gran recurso que puede trabajar para alcanzar una mejor recuepracion. La terapia con un profesional seria un lugar seguro donde puede con apoyo de su terapeuta empezar a desarrollar sus habilidades para poder enfrentar de mejor manera su proceso de recuperacion
The path I am now walking is not easy, I have stayed more to myself after trying to talk with a trusted friend only to have her scream at me, calling me stupid, reckless and selfish. If a trusted person could do this to me what could another do? Each day that I am scheduled to work I get ready make sure I am nicely dressed, my makeup is flawless and I walk out the door. I have been triggered at work but it is helping me by facing these triggers with courage and confidence. I work part-time so these trials come in small doses, enabling me to handle the triggers instead of being overwhelmed by them. There are some that come that still knock me to my knees, but I get up and get up and get up.