--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is impossible to stand upright when…" description: "\"“It is impossible to stand upright when one plants his roots in the shifting sands of popular opinion and approval. Needed is the courage of a Daniel, ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/848/thomas-s-monson-409_courage_it-is-impossible-to-stand-upright-when-o_1542062.jpg" --- # It is impossible to stand upright when one plants his… ![“It is impossible to stand upright when one plants his roots in the shifting sands of popular opinion and approval. Needed is the courage of a Daniel, an Abinadi, a Moroni, or a Joseph Smith in order for us to hold strong and fast to that which we know is right. They had the courage to do not that…” quote by Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/848/thomas-s-monson-409_courage_it-is-impossible-to-stand-upright-when-o_1542062.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/848/thomas-s-monson-409_courage_it-is-impossible-to-stand-upright-when-o_1542062.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/848/thomas-s-monson-409_courage_it-is-impossible-to-stand-upright-when-o_1542062.jpg) > ““It is impossible to stand upright when one plants his roots in the shifting sands of popular opinion and approval. Needed is the courage of a Daniel, an Abinadi, a Moroni, or a Joseph Smith in order for us to hold strong and fast to that which we know is right. They had the courage to do not that which was easy but that which was right. "We will all face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us---all of us---have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully but also as the determination to live decently. As we move forward, striving to live as we should, we will surely receive help from the Lord and can find comfort in His words”” [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Standing firm in truth requires courage against popular opinion, mirroring biblical figures who chose principle over ease, promising divine support. **In simple terms:** Courage to follow truth despite pressure brings divine approval. Key Takeaway Stand firm in principle, seek divine help. Themes faith courage principle obedience Mood determined hopeful Type religious motivational When to use this quote - public speaking - ethical decision‑making - community leadership - personal conviction Key Concepts biblical exemplars social pressure spiritual resilience Questions to Reflect On - What principle are you willing to defend? - How do you handle ridicule while staying true? A Different Perspective Courage can lead to conflict or isolation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Approval Courage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/approval-courage-5746030/) [Consensus Courage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consensus-courage-1641233/) [Courage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/courage/) [Courage Stand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/courage-stand-397971/) [Face fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/face-fear/) [Integrity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/integrity/) [Move forward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/move-forward/) [Principle Courage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principle-courage-1641234/) ## Related quotes > [Of course, we will face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/of-course-we-will-face-fear-experience-ridicule-and-meet-opposition/) [Thomas S. 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