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A most insidious form of fear is that which masquerades as common sense or even wisdom, condemning as foolish, reckless, insignificant or futile the small, daily acts of courage which help to preserve man's self-respect and inherent human dignity.
Aung San Suu Kyi
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Fear often disguises itself as common sense, preventing us from recognizing and valuing small acts of courage.

This quote by Aung San Suu Kyi highlights the subtle yet dangerous nature of fear, which can present itself as reasonable judgment. It warns against the internal and societal pressures that deem small acts of bravery as trivial or foolish, underscoring the importance of these actions in maintaining self-respect and dignity in humanity.

Themes

FearCourageWisdomSelf-RespectDignity

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles, one might reference this quote to inspire others to act courageously despite societal pressures.

More from Aung San Suu Kyi

People ask me about what sacrifices I've made. I always answer: I've made no sacrifices, I've made choices.
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The struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma is a struggle for life and dignity. It is a struggle that encompasses our political, social and economic aspirations.
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This was the way I was brought up to think of politics, that politics was to do with ethics, it was to do with responsibility, it was to do with service, so I think I was conditioned to think like that, and I'm too old to change now.
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My top priority is for people to understand that they have the power to change things themselves.
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If you want to bring an end to long-standing conflict, you have to be prepared to compromise.
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Where there is no justice there can be no secure peace.
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