Does know no fear mean know no Courage ?

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**godking**

We all know that Astartes are genetically incapable of knowing fear

I feel that also means that Astartes are also incapable of knowing real courage.

A being that is genetically incapable of knowing fear cannot really understand what courage is.

If you don't know what fear means you cannot overcome it.

**Rippy**

I think you have been reading too much Horus Heresy! They most certainly can show fear, especially in the face of Daemonic influence. That is why they reassure themselves with the emperor protects, and use the chant of "AND WE SHALL KNOW NO FEAR" as a litany against fear. I believe that they used to be fearless before they realized there was something to be scared of.

**Coldstream**

Yeah, it doesn't strike me as a statement that they totally lack the emotion of fear, just that they will rise above it. Reminds me of the whole Litany Against Fear from Dune:

"I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration...etc...."

**jhe90**

even if they do feel fear, they can fall back on there experience, skills, and the fact there are very few foes equal to a space marine to strengthen there will.

also honor, to give into fear could bring dishonor on your squad, company, even chapter.
some chapters are very big on honour.

even if they do feel it, they stand firm in the face of it.

**PastelAvenger**

They know fear but don't act upon it by reciting their litanies to help them deal with it.

**Psienesis**

They recognize what "fear" is. They have a part of their brain that goes "oh, that little feeling back there, that's what fear feels like. Now I see why lesser mortals break and flee in such situations. Right. Onward!"

**DarknessEternal**

Yes, that's exactly what that means.

Marines are conditioned (ie, brainwashed) to do their jobs. Courage is a choice. Marines don't have such luxury.

**SirSertile**

Psienesis wrote:
They recognize what "fear" is. They have a part of their brain that goes "oh, that little feeling back there, that's what fear feels like. Now I see why lesser mortals break and flee in such situations. Right. Onward!"

Here's a little quote for you guys.

Only a madman knows no fear. A warrior knows what fear is, he feels it in his stomach, he understands fear better than any other mortal can. What makes us strong is that we have conquered fear, overcome it not once but many times, over and over again, until the process has become instinctive. but no matter how many battles you fight and how many victories you win, your fear will never completely leave you. Learn to live with that fear. Learn to master your fear. But never forget that there are things in this universe that even you cannot face and live, abominations so terrible that their very appearance will sear the flesh from your face and shrivel your eyes. Such things cannot be fought, and to confront them would be nothing but a futile waste of life. In those situations remember your vows to serve the Emperor, and remember also that you serve him best alive and not sacrificed upon the altar of vain glory.

Memorum Libris de Petronius Caligarus, Ultramarines Captain

Even the Ultramarines know fear.
(PROSPERO BURNS SPOILER INCOMING)

Spoiler:

**CREEEEEEEEED**

Huh, sigh, sad face, despair for humankind.
No you doofus, it doesn't say they shall not know what fear is, it say they shall know no fear, so they will never be afraid, but they still know what it is, they fight next to guardsmen for crying out loud, and I will be the first to tell you Ld 7 is not very good.

**EngulfedObject**

Well every space marine started out as a normal human so they obviously have to know what fear is. Whether or not they still feel it might be debatable but I think most of the fluff supports the view that they do feel fear, just maybe not to the same extent as an ordinary human.

**Exalted Pariah**

Every human has a limit where fear will overwhelm them and then become terrorized cattle hoping to flee from their fear. "Fight or flight"

Astartes are immune to this. While they feel fear, it is controlled adrenaline, "fight not flight" response. They never lose themselves to it.

**Wyzilla**

Astartes do feel fear. The however do not panic, nor suffer from a fight or flight response. They can certainly understand fear, but they can't be terrorized like normal humans.

**EngulfedObject**

Exalted Pariah wrote:
Every human has a limit where fear will overwhelm them and then become terrorized cattle hoping to flee from their fear. "Fight or flight"

Astartes are immune to this. While they feel fear, it is controlled adrenaline, "fight not flight" response. They never lose themselves to it.

Good way of putting it!

**Animus**

I don't think feeling fear is a prerequisite for courage.
I think that's just what is told to fearful people to make them not feel so bad.

**Rysaer**

Space marines do know fear, they are just conditioned and disciplined enough to handle it better than most others.

Also I agree with Animus fear is not a prerequisite for courage.