To try to be brave is to be brave.
 George MacDonald, At the Back of the North Wind (1871). copy citation

edit
Author George MacDonald
Source At the Back of the North Wind
Topic bravery trying
Date 1871
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/225/225-h/225-h.htm

Context

“But don't you feel as if you would try to be brave yourself next time?»
«Yes, I do. But trying is not much.»
«Yes, it is—a very great deal, for it is a beginning. And a beginning is the greatest thing of all. To try to be brave is to be brave. The coward who tries to be brave is before the man who is brave because he is made so, and never had to try.»
«How kind you are, North Wind!»
«I am only just. All kindness is but justice. We owe it.»” source

Meaning and analysis

write a note
report