I knew that I would have to be brave. Not foolhardy, not in love with risk and danger, not making ridiculous exhibitions of myself to prove that I wasn't terrified--really genuinely brave. Brave enough to be quiet when quiet was called for, brave enough to observe before flinging myself into something, brave enough to not abandon my true self when someone else wanted to seduce or force me in a direction I didn't want to go, brave enough to stand my ground quietly.
Interpretation
True bravery involves calmness, self-awareness, and the strength to stand firm in one's beliefs.
In this quote, Piper Kerman emphasizes that true bravery is not about seeking excitement or taking reckless risks; rather, it is about maintaining inner strength and composure in the face of fear. It involves the courage to observe and reflect before acting, as well as the resolve to stay true to oneself amidst external pressures or temptations to conform.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming challenges.
People respond differently to people who are grieving. They reach out. But depression is so very isolating. It's hard to explain to anyone who has never been depressed how isolating it is. Grief comes and goes, but depression is unremitting.
We have to stand up for these issues when it's tough, and that's what I've done. I did it when I was in the state legislature, sponsoring the Illinois version of the DREAM Act, so that children who were brought here through no fault of their own are able to go to college, because we actually want well-educated kids in our country who are able to succeed and become part of this economy and part of the American dream.
Have the courage of your knowledge and experience. If you have formed a conclusion from the facts and if you know your judgment is sound, act on it – even though others may hesitate or differ.
If we despond, public confidence is destroyed, the people will no longer yield their support to a hopeless contest, and American liberty is no more. Through the darkness which shrouds our prospects, the ark of safety is visible. Despondency becomes not the dignity of our cause, nor the character of those who are its supporters.
To be neutral in a situation of injustice is to have chosen sides already. It is to support the status quo.
Through the centuries, we faced down death by daring to hope.
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