QuoteProject
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
ShareWTF𝕏

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.
Aung San Suu KyiRead
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.
Aung San Suu KyiRead
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.
Aung San Suu KyiRead
My top priority is for people to understand that they have the power to change things themselves.
Aung San Suu KyiRead
If you want to bring an end to long-standing conflict, you have to be prepared to compromise.
Aung San Suu KyiRead
Where there is no justice there can be no secure peace.
Aung San Suu KyiRead

Similar quotes

Everyone recognizes that Stephen was Spirit-filled when he was performing wonders. Yet, he was just as Spirit-filled when he was being stoned to death.
Leonard RavenhillRead
My applications submitted to the Tribunal regarding my interview during the hunger strike were misinterpreted, and it was published in the press that I was going to offer defence, though in reality I was never willing to offer any defence.
Bhagat SinghRead
After doing this work or the past twelve years and watching scarcity ride roughshod over our families, organizations, and communities, I'd say the one thing we have in common is that we're sick of feeling afraid. we want to dare greatly. We're tired of the national conversation centering on "What should we fear" and "Who should we blame?" We all want to be brave.
Bren BrownRead
Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.
Winston ChurchillRead
I've been in this struggle for many years now. I understand racism. I understand that there are a lot of people in this country who don't care about the problems of the inner city. We have to fight every day that we get up for every little thing that we get. And so I keep struggling.
Maxine WatersRead
If a piece of knotted string can unleash the wind, and if a drowned man can awaken, then I believe a broken man can heal.
Annie ProulxRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.