The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.
Interpretation
The true achievement lies in having the courage to begin a challenge rather than just completing it.
This quote emphasizes the importance of courage in initiating action. Many people may find it daunting to start something new, but the real miracle is not only in the completion of a task but in the willingness to take that initial step, overcoming fear and doubt in the process.
In practice
In a motivational speech to encourage startup entrepreneurs.
If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.
It is a call for black people in this country to unite, to recognize their heritage, to build a sense of community. It is a call for black people to define their own goals, to lead their own organizations.
They did not submit to the obvious alternative, which was simply to close the eyes and fall. So easy, really. Go limp and tumble to the ground and let the muscles unwind and not speak and not budge until your buddies picked you up and lifted you into the chopper that would roar and dip its nose and carry you off to the world. A mere matter of falling, yet no one ever fell. It was not courage, exactly; the object was not valor. Rather, they were too frightened to be cowards.
My center is giving way, my right is in retreat; situation excellent. I shall attack.
In peace there's nothing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility: But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger; Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage; Then lend the eye a terrible aspect; . . . . Now set the teeth and stretch the nostril wide, Hold hard the breath and bend up every spirit To his full height. On, on, you noblest English.
Speak against unconscious oppression, Speak against the tyranny of the unimaginative, Speak against bonds.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain but for the heart to conquer it.
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