If something's not impossible, there must be a way of doing it.
Everyone thinks my story should be marked by heroism, but there was no risk to myself. You see, no-one in Prague at that time thought they were going to be at war with England.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that not all acts of courage are recognized as heroic, especially when the risks are not apparent.
Nicholas Winton's quote reflects on the nature of heroism and courage in the context of his actions during a time of conflict. He suggests that what many perceive as heroic may actually not involve personal risk and can be seen differently depending on the circumstances and societal attitudes. Winton's humility in acknowledging the lack of perceived danger shows how heroism can often be about the intentions and actions taken to help others, rather than the dramatic risks that one faces.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a keynote speech about unsung heroes in history.
More from Nicholas Winton
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I am not a courageous person by nature. I have simply discovered that, at certain key moments in this life, you must find courage in yourself, in order to move forward and live. It is like a muscle and it must be exercised, first a little, and then more and more. All the really exciting things possible during the course of a lifetime require a little more courage than we currently have. A deep breath and a leap.
Giving anyone anything takes courage, since so many presents backfire. A gift conspicuously at odds with your tastes serves only to betray that the benefactor has no earthly clue who you are.
My mother was this White woman from Texas, from a racist town raised to believe in the inferiority of others by her community, not necessarily by her parents, but certainly by the community around her. And she fled it.
We aren't going to let any mace stop us. We are masters in our nonviolent movement in disarming police forces; they don't know what to do.
Be brave and fearless to know that even if you do make a wrong decision, you're making it for a good reason.
If there is one thing upon this earth that mankind love and admire better than another, it is a brave man, - it is the man who dares to look the devil in the face and tell him he is a devil.