Nobody but radicals have ever accomplished anything in a great crisis.
James A. GarfieldRead
Few of us will do the spectacular deeds of heroism that spread themselves across the pages of our newspapers in big black headlines. But we can all be heroic in the little things of everyday life. We can do the helpful things, say the kind words, meet our difficulties with courage and high hearts, stand up for the right when the cost is high, keep our word even though it means sacrifice, be a giver instead of a destroyer. Often this quiet, humble heroism is the greatest heroism of all.
Interpretation
Heroism can be found in everyday actions rather than just in grand gestures.
This quote emphasizes that true heroism often lies in the small, everyday actions and choices we make rather than in grand, dramatic acts of bravery that capture public attention. It encourages us to be courageous and kind in our daily lives, to uphold our values even when it's difficult, and to recognize that the simple acts of kindness and integrity contribute to a greater sense of heroism that might not make the headlines but are profoundly impactful nonetheless.
In practice
In a speech about community service, this quote could inspire volunteers to take pride in their contributions.
Nobody but radicals have ever accomplished anything in a great crisis.
To me non-violence has come to represent a panacea for all the evils that surround my people, and, therefore, I am devoting all my energies towards the establishment of a society that should be based on its principles of truth and peace.
Sir, it is not God who will assemble us on the battlefield, nor position our troops, nor place the cannon, and it is not God who will aim the musket.
We must not allow ourselves to become like the system we oppose. We cannot afford to use methods of which we will be ashamed when we look back, when we say, '...we shouldn't have done that.'
My contention is that as long as you have other faculties-the emotional, psychological, intuitive faculties-you haven't lost yourself or even diminished yourself. Don't be ashamed when you're physically limited or dysfunctional; don't think that you're any less because of your condition. In fact, I feel I am even more myself than I was before I got this illness because I have been able to transcend many of the psychological and emotional limitations I had before I developed ALS.
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
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