If you do not speak up when it matters, when would it matter that you speak? The opposite of courage is conformity. Even a dead fish can go with the flow.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He argues that speaking up only matters when timely; otherwise, conformity is the opposite of courage, likening dead fish to going with the flow.
- In plain terms
- Speak up when it matters; otherwise, conformity is the opposite of courage.
- What can you take from it?
- Courage requires timely action, not passive agreement.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When should you stay silent?
- What counts as courageous conformity?
Another view
Defining courage solely by timing may ignore consistent small acts of bravery.
More from Jim Hightower
The corporations don't have to lobby the government anymore. They are the government.
Permalink to quote #2 The opposite for courage is not cowardice, it is conformity. Even a dead fish can go with the flow.
Permalink to quote #4 There's nothing in the middle of the road but a yellow stripe and dead armadillos.
Permalink to quote #1
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