“At the bottom of a good deal of bravery... lurks a miserable cowardice. Men will face powder and steel because they cannot face public opinion.”

Liberals in Congress can face public opinion, they just don't pay much attention to it. This has changed a little since the recent Massachusetts vote. It wiil change a lot after the vote in November.

When we invest a great deal of time and energy into an illusion, it is sometimes hard to face. Like a desperate gambler, he 'prays' the next roll of the dice will win back all he has lost.

Horse Crap. It may be true in suicide, but men face powder and steel because corrupt governments put them there or to protect their comrades.

In many cases, an accurate observation. In other situations like ignorance or belief in shallow religions — such as Woke and socialism (which on occasion will also fulfill the quote) it is another reason.

Are wolves, tigers, and lions refusing public opinion?