We Are Forged by the Experience of Conflict

450 Words2 Pages
The realisation of unknown skill and potential can lay dormant until forcibly exposed by facing conflict. Through encountering conflict, hidden aspects of ourselves can be fully revealed and we can grow to be stronger, smarter and more confident within ourselves. Martin Luther King Jr embodies the concept that conflict withdraws our hidden capacities. During the civil rights struggles in America during 1956, Luther came forth as a budding public speaker and quickly transformed into one of the most influential and powerful public speakers in history through his many public rallies and in particular his ‘I dream a dream’ speech that sought to tackle civil rights conflict. This revealing of concealed talents is extremely apparent in the film ‘Paradise Road’. Jewish refugee, Dr Verstak is forced to adapt due to conflict and this adaption sees her become the camp doctor, with nearly no medical training what-so-ever. Her skill as a rudimentary doctor is such that no one even realises she is faking her credentials to help the other women. The conflict in both these situations pushes individuals to come out of their comfort zones and discover new abilities that had previously remained out of sight. The way in which we cope with conflict can mould us into a morally enriched individual. The experience of conflict can shape us in many ways and how we deal with the experiences and struggles that come our way, will enhance our character. “Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.”-William Channing. The concept behind Channing’s quote is that internal growth and progress comes through hard times and complications. Former child soldier in Africa, Ishmael Beah, is an individual who has gone through tragic and viscous circumstances and emerged on the other side as a U.N goodwill ambassador. His experience with conflict drives
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