“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
This powerful statement perfectly captures the dual nature of bravery. Many people attribute this profound wisdom to Winston Churchill. His reputation for bold speeches makes him a likely candidate. However, the history of this quote reveals a different and more interesting story. It’s a journey through American literature and journalism that uncovers the true author.
Investigating the quote’s origins shows a classic case of misattribution. While Churchill was a master orator, this specific phrase does not appear in his extensive collection of speeches or writings. The truth lies with a lesser-known American educator whose words have resonated for decades.
The Real Author and the Churchill Myth
The International Churchill Society works to preserve the prime minister’s authentic legacy. Their experts have thoroughly examined this claim. They definitively state that the quote is not Churchill’s. In fact, the attribution to Churchill didn’t even begin until 1976, more than a decade after his death. Source
So, who actually crafted this memorable line? The evidence points to William Arthur Ward, an American writer and educator associated with Texas Wesleyan College. Ward published the quote in the Meadowbrook Herald on July 30, 1964. His original wording was precise. He wrote, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; it is also what it takes, on occasion, to sit down and listen.” This documented instance predates any link to Churchill by twelve years.
The Quote’s Journey Through Media
Long before Ward, similar ideas about courage were circulating. In 1924, Senator George W. Norris wrote an article for Collier’s magazine. He described casting a difficult vote against his party. Norris wrote, “If I had known in advance that I was to be the only Republican… I doubt whether I would have had the courage to stand up, but having stood up, I lacked the courage to sit down.” While this doesn’t mention listening, it connects courage with the physical acts of standing and sitting in public discourse.
After Ward’s publication, variations of the quote began to appear. In March 1965, a Nebraska newspaper printed a version that swapped courage for wisdom. It read, “If there are times when we need the courage to stand up and speak, there are also times when we need the wisdom to sit down and listen.” This shows the core concept was spreading through American culture. Ward later solidified his authorship by including the quote in his 1968 book, Thoughts of a Christian Optimist.
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How the Misattribution Happened
The path to misattribution is often gradual. In 1972, a book titled Quotations of Courage and Vision listed the quote as anonymous. Subsequently, Reader’s Digest republished it in 1974, also without an author. The major shift occurred in 1976. Forbes magazine printed the quote in its “Thoughts on the Business of Life” section. For the first time, they credited it to Quote Investigator – Courage Is What It Takes To Stand Up and Speak, providing no source. From there, the misattribution spread widely, cementing a myth that continues today. Source
The Two Sides of Courage
Beyond its fascinating history, the quote offers a timeless lesson on the true meaning of bravery. It presents courage not as a single action but as a balanced quality with two essential components. Winston Churchill – Biography
The Courage to Stand Up and Speak
This is the form of courage we most often recognize. It is the bravery to voice an unpopular opinion. It’s the strength to challenge injustice or defend your principles. Speaking truth to power requires you to risk criticism, ridicule, and social isolation. This active, vocal courage is essential for progress and change. It pushes conversations forward and ensures that important issues are not ignored. The Art of Listening: A Guide to the Immediate Perception of Beauty
. The Art of Listening – J. Krishnamurti Foundation
The Courage to Sit Down and Listen
This second form of courage is quieter but no less important. Listening truly requires you to silence your own ego. It demands that you set aside your preconceived notions and genuinely try to understand another person’s perspective. This is incredibly difficult in a world that often rewards the loudest voice. Courageous listening involves admitting you might not have all the answers. Moreover, it means being open to changing your mind when presented with new information.
This receptive courage builds bridges and fosters empathy. It de-escalates conflict and creates space for collaboration. Without the courage to listen, dialogue becomes a series of competing monologues. True progress requires both speaking and hearing.
A Legacy of Balanced Wisdom
In summary, the beloved quote about courage has a clear origin, and it’s not with Winston Churchill. William Arthur Ward deserves full credit for this insightful observation on the dual nature of bravery. His words remind us that true courage is a balance. It is the strength to make your voice heard and the wisdom to know when to listen.
Ultimately, practicing both forms of courage is essential for personal growth and a healthy society. We need individuals brave enough to challenge the status quo. We also need people brave enough to listen with an open heart and mind. That is the enduring legacy of this powerful statement.