该句使用not only...but also结构强调勇气的多维内涵。
Courage has a single definition, yet its expressions can vary widely. Among three job applicants, the first two followed their boss's orders unquestioningly, which might seem acceptable. The third, however, refused to carry out the boss's absurd orders, earning far greater admiration. Even more remarkable was the commander stationed with the Franco-German forces who dared to disobey orders from then-French President Charles de Gaulle that went against public opinion and democratic principles—a rare act in a world where authoritarianism dominates. Therefore, Courage is not merely a demonstration of action; it also encompasses reason and morality. Courage lacking rationality or ethical grounding is not necessarily commendable.
In our world, acts of courage that entail absolute obedience are common, while courage to resist absurd orders is rare. This is because those in power often promote, cultivate, and reward absolute obedience, while detesting those who challenge unreasonable commands. Even when leaders recognize their own mistakes, they seldom forgive those who dared resist. Consequently, even actions that are clearly wrong, absurd, anti-scientific, or illegal can be carried out bravely, simply because they are backed or commanded by those in authority.
勇敢的定义只有一个，但勇敢的表现形式可能多种多样。三个应聘者中，前两个坚决执行老板的命令，看似无可厚非；而第三个拒绝执行老板荒唐命令的人，则更值得赞誉。至于驻德法军的那位司令，敢于拒绝执行当时法国总统戴高乐下达的违背民意、违背民主原则的命令，更是难能可贵。在专制国家，这几乎是不可想象的。因此，勇敢不仅是一种行为的体现，它还包含理性与道义。缺乏理性或道义的勇敢，不一定值得称道。
在现实世界中，绝对执行命令的勇敢普遍存在，而敢于抗拒荒唐命令的勇敢却少之又少。这是因为权力者通常竭力提倡、培养和制造绝对服从的勇敢，而对敢于抗拒其荒唐命令的人深恶痛绝。即便权力者后来发现自己的错误，也绝不宽恕那些敢于抗拒的人。因此，即使一些行为明显错误、荒谬、反科学或违法违纪，因为有权力者的指令或支持，有些人仍然勇敢地去执行，勇敢地去服从。