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The courage we need is not the fortitude to be obedient in…

“The courage we need is not the fortitude to be obedient in the service of an unjust war, to help conceal lies, to do our job for a boss who has usurped power and is acting as an outlaw government. It is the courage at last to face honestly the truth and reality of what we are doing in the world…” quote by Daniel Ellsberg
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“The courage we need is not the fortitude to be obedient in the service of an unjust war, to help conceal lies, to do our job for a boss who has usurped power and is acting as an outlaw government. It is the courage at last to face honestly the truth and reality of what we are doing in the world and act responsibly to change it.”

Daniel Ellsberg

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True courage involves confronting uncomfortable truths about unjust wars and acting responsibly to change them, rather than merely obeying authority.

In simple terms: Courage is facing truth, not blind obedience.

Key Takeaway

Act responsibly against injustice.

Themes

ethics political activism war truth courage

Mood

determined serious

Type

activist political

When to use this quote

  • protest movements
  • policy advocacy
  • whistleblowing
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

philosophy political theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truth are you avoiding?
  • How can you responsibly act on that truth?
A Different Perspective

Changing systems often meets strong resistance.

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