You Need Strength – But You Also Need Courage

A poem that touched me deeply

Recently, I stumbled upon a poem that moved me profoundly. It was written by Berthold Auerbach – and it struck a chord within me.
Maybe because it’s so honest. Maybe because it doesn’t ask who you are, what you do, where you are, or how you live.
It speaks to all of us.
Because no matter whether you’re strong or vulnerable, young or old, loud or quiet – this poem fits.

You Need Strength

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You need strength to be strong,
but you need courage to be kind.
You need strength to defend yourself,
but you need courage to trust.
You need strength to win a fight,
but you need courage to surrender.
You need strength to be right,
but you need courage to doubt.
You need strength to stay steady,
but you need courage to stay honest.
You need strength to witness a friend’s suffering,
but you need courage to face your own pain.
You need strength to hide your mistakes,
but you need courage to admit them.
You need strength to endure injustice,
but you need courage to end it.
You need strength to be alone,
but you need courage to ask for help.
You need strength to love,
but you need courage to be loved.
You need strength to survive,
but you need courage to live.

– Berthold Auerbach

Why This Poem Is So Valuable
It reminds us that courage is not the opposite of fear – it’s often the quiet, gentle path through it.
That life isn’t just about holding on – but about surrender, honesty, and humanity.
And that the true heroes are not always the loudest, but those who have the courage to simply be themselves.