And if the great fear had not come upon me, as it did, and forced me to do my duty, I might have been less good to the people than some man who had never dreamed at all, even with the memory of so great a vision in me.

Meaning

In the quote “And if the great fear had not come upon me, as it did, and forced me to do my duty, I might have been less good to the people than some man who had never dreamed at all, even with the memory of so great a vision in me.,” the emphasis is on courage. It highlights the thought that bravery means acting despite fear while implying that small acts of bravery matter.

Theme

As a foundational human concern, courage appears in many sayings. It matters because life often demands difficult choices, and this quote reminds us that bravery opens new paths.

About the Author

This quotation is commonly linked to Black Elk, whose short statements express ideas connected to courage.

Style and Structure

Its rhythmical and compact form uses contrast to strengthen the statement.

FAQ

What is the message?
bravery means acting despite fear.

Why is it shared?
It captures a universal truth about courage.

What can we learn?
we step outside our comfort zone is an important part of daily life.