“The tyrant dies and his rule is over; the martyr dies and his rule begins”
— Soren Kierkegaard
Simplified Meaning:
When a cruel leader is gone, his control ends, and people stop fearing him. However, when someone who fights for a good cause dies, their ideas and influence grow stronger. Imagine a dictator who controls a country with fear and force. When he dies, people's fear fades, and his power disappears. On the other hand, consider someone like Martin Luther King Jr., who stood up for equal rights. Even after his death, his messages about justice and equality became even more powerful and continued to inspire people. The message is that true, lasting influence comes not from force but from standing up for what is right and good, and this influence often grows stronger after one's death. By standing up for their beliefs, people can continue to make a difference long after they are gone.