How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"My point is that love is the most powerful motivator in the world. It spurs mortals to greatness. Their noblest, bravest acts are done for love." (39.56)
Aphrodite doesn't point out that a lot of the most horrible acts are done for love too—Greek mythology is filled with terrible stories of unspeakable things done in the name of love. The Medea story (chapter 28) is an example of someone for whom love led to the courage to betray and kill lots of people.
Quote #8
Tristan McLean wasn't supposed to be seen like this. He was a star. He was confident, stylish, suave—always in control. This was the public image he projected. Piper had seen the image falter before. But this was different. Now it was broken, gone. (45.23)
Tristan is a movie star, so this passage is in some ways pointing out that the kind of courage you see in movies (including the Greek action dramas Tristan makes) is a front. But we're also in the middle of a Greek action drama ourselves. The Lost Hero may recognize that there's something not quite real about courageously battling monsters, but it loves it anyway.
Quote #9
"So…we'll start by boasting will we? Just like old times! Very well, demigod. I am Porphyrion, king of the giants, son of Gaea." (50.53)
Porphyrion enjoys the traditional ritualized declaration of courage. He'd probably enjoy reading The Lost Hero too, where all the characters demonstrate courage at each dangerous encounter on schedule. Though it's maybe hard for Porphyrion to be really brave, since he's so big. When he's at risk at the end from Hera, he just scurries off, without even boasting.