“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
- February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005
- American
- Civil Rights Activist, Symbol of the Montgomery Bus Boycott
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Quote
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
Explanation
In this quote, Rosa Parks speaks to the transformative power of conviction. She suggests that fear loses its grip when a person is resolved and purposeful. The phrase “when one’s mind is made up” implies a moment of clarity and determination that overcomes hesitation. By stating that “knowing what must be done does away with fear,” Parks underscores that certainty of purpose can replace paralyzing doubt with courageous action.
This insight is rooted in her own life experience. When she refused to give up her seat in 1955, she knew the risks—arrest, threats, and backlash—but she also understood the necessity of her action. That moral certainty gave her strength, and it became a guiding principle for others in the Civil Rights Movement. Her courage was not the absence of fear, but the result of a resolved mind facing fear with clarity and purpose.
Today, this quote serves as a powerful lesson for anyone confronting injustice or difficult decisions. It reminds us that fear often fades when we stop wavering and commit to what we believe is right. Whether in activism, leadership, or personal life, Parks’ words offer a timeless truth: certainty of duty empowers individuals to move forward despite the risks.
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