But whoso is heroic must find crises to try his edge. Human virtue demands her champions and martyrs, and the trial of persecution always proceeds.
Interpretation
True heroism comes from facing challenges and adversity, as it is through these trials that virtuous qualities are tested and proven.
In this quote, Ralph Waldo Emerson emphasizes that true heroes and champions emerge in times of crisis. It suggests that human virtue is inherently tied to the struggles and trials we face, and that it is through adversity—such as persecution or challenges—that we define our strength and character. The notion is that courage and heroism are not passive attributes but are forged in the fire of difficult circumstances.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles.
It is plain that there is no separate essence called courage, no cup or cell in the brain, no vessel in the heart containing drops or atoms that make or give this virtue; but it is the right or healthy state of every man, when he is free to do that which is constitutional to him to do.
Few people have any next, they live from hand to mouth without a plan, and are always at the end of their line.
Men cease to interest us when we find their limitations
Tis the good reader that makes the good book; a good head cannot read amiss: in every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakeably meant for his ear.
The world belongs to the energetic.
Hast thou named all the birds without a gun?
Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.
I feel so fortunate and grateful to be a survivor of breast cancer. I see it as a gift.
Now I can say loudly and openly what I have been saying to myself on my knees.
The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear
The McCarthy period came along...and many of the other scientists who had been working on these same lines gave up. Probably saying "Why should I sacrifice myself? I am a scientist, I am supposed to be working on scientific things, so I don't need to put myself at risk by talking about these possibilities." And I have said that perhaps I'm just stubborn... I have said "I don't like anybody to tell me what to do or to think, except Mrs. Pauling."
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; Or close the wall with our English dead.
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