The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.

Meaning

This quote focuses on the idea of courage. It suggests that true strength is revealed in difficulty and reminds us that small acts of bravery matter. The message encourages us to consider how we continue even when unsure.

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 persistence strengthens resolve.

About the Author

Many popular reflections are credited to John Stuart Mill, including this one. Their words often comment on themes like courage.

Style and Structure

The phrasing is minimalistic, using contrast to focus attention on the core idea.

FAQ

What is the message?
true strength is revealed in difficulty.

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

What can we learn?
we continue even when unsure is an important part of daily life.