“We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.”
- January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968
- African American
- Pastor and civil rights leader
- He led the movement to abolish racial discrimination in the United States and contributed to the establishment of the Civil Rights Act
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Quote
“We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.”
Explanation
In this metaphorical statement, King emphasizes the importance of courage as a defense against fear. By likening courage to “dikes” holding back a “flood,” he suggests that fear is a powerful force that can overwhelm us if left unchecked. To face challenges and pursue justice, we must actively cultivate and strengthen our courage to prevent fear from inhibiting our actions and silencing our voices.
King’s words reflect the immense courage required during the Civil Rights Movement, where activists faced threats, intimidation, and violent opposition. Despite the risks, King encouraged his followers to stand firm and persist in their pursuit of equality, building “dikes of courage” through unity, resilience, and moral conviction. For King, courage wasn’t merely the absence of fear; it was the ability to confront and overcome it, channeling strength in the face of adversity.
Today, this quote reminds us that courage is essential in tackling personal and societal challenges. Whether standing up against injustice, pursuing personal growth, or confronting social issues, fear can be a major obstacle. King’s metaphor encourages us to fortify ourselves with courage, surrounding ourselves with supportive communities and grounding ourselves in principles that give us strength in difficult times. His message invites us to embrace courage as a tool to protect our hopes and aspirations, allowing us to act with integrity and resilience regardless of the fears we may face.
