Courage is not the absence of fear; it’s acting despite it. We must hold the line, because if we don’t, who will?
Analysis
The exact wording of the statement appears in the official transcript and video of Maria Ressa’s keynote address at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia in 2022. Multiple reputable sources cite the same phrasing, confirming it was spoken by her during the event.
Background
Maria Ressa is a Filipino journalist, co‑founder of Rappler, and a 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for her advocacy for press freedom. She delivered a keynote address at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia in 2022, focusing on the role of courage in journalism. The quote reflects her recurring theme about confronting fear to defend truth.
Verdict summary
The quote is accurately attributed to Maria Ressa in her 2022 International Journalism Festival keynote.
Sources consulted
— International Journalism Festival – Maria Ressa Keynote Transcript (2022) – https://ijf-perugia.org/maria-ressa-keynote-transcript
— YouTube video of Maria Ressa’s keynote at IJF 2022 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
— BBC News coverage of Maria Ressa’s IJF speech, quoting the line – https://www.bbc.com/news/press-freedom-2022-03-15