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About this quote

What does it mean?
Suffering arises when we lack the courage to defend our beliefs.
In plain terms
We suffer because we don't stand up for what we believe.
What can you take from it?
Cultivate civil courage to reduce personal suffering.

Where it applies

  • facing peer pressure
  • confronting injustice

Putting it to work

  • express your opinion
  • support a cause

Questions to consider

  • When have you felt you lacked courage?
  • What beliefs are worth defending?

Another view

Not all situations allow safe expression of beliefs.

More from Heinz Barwich

  1. Original German: 'Unser ganzes Elend kommt vom Mangel an Zivilcourage.'

    Permalink to quote #2

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