A Tough Mind and a Tender Heart Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent American minister and civil rights activist, argues that the combination of a tough mind and a tender heart is essential to end segregation and racism (King, Jr. 13-14). King defines a tough mind as one that is able to think sharply and decisively and make realistic judgments (King, Jr.14). Having a tough mind gives one the ability to discern what is true from what is false on their own instead of blindly accepting what they hear (King, Jr. 14). For example, Hitler took advantage of people by recognizing their softmindedness and appealed to their emotions to mold and control them without logic or reason (King, Jr. 16). Having a tender heart is just as vital as a tough mind.
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17-18). Also, in the Biblical story of Dives and Lazarus, Dives, a rich man, is sent to Hell to suffer because he "was not tenderhearted enough to see [or help] Lazarus", a beggar (King, Jr. 18). However, some would argue that one should remain soft-minded to end racism. This is disproved by realizing that when Moses delivered the slaves in Egypt to the Promised Land, they were uneasy about the change and did not fully welcome him due to their soft minds (King, Jr. 18). Although others maintain a soft mind is the best characteristic for someone, having a soft mind is too passive and cowardly and will not win respect, as softminded people would rather keep their lives the same instead of being freed or improving their situation (King, Jr. 18). Also, others suggest that one should remain hard-hearted, but doing so only creates people who fight with violence and hatred (King, Jr.18). While others maintain a hard heart is an essential quality, the violence hardhearted people turn to only creates "temporary victories", more problems, and only impermanent peace (King, Jr. 18). The combination of a tough mind and tender heart is ideal, as God's greatness stems from his possession of both attributes shown with His justice and wrath but also …show more content…
Do you think both a tough mind and a tender heart are necessary to end racism or to be successful in any capacity?
2. If both are not necessary, which quality is more important to have? A tough mind? Or a tender
17-18). Also, in the Biblical story of Dives and Lazarus, Dives, a rich man, is sent to Hell to suffer because he "was not tenderhearted enough to see [or help] Lazarus", a beggar (King, Jr. 18). However, some would argue that one should remain soft-minded to end racism. This is disproved by realizing that when Moses delivered the slaves in Egypt to the Promised Land, they were uneasy about the change and did not fully welcome him due to their soft minds (King, Jr. 18). Although others maintain a soft mind is the best characteristic for someone, having a soft mind is too passive and cowardly and will not win respect, as softminded people would rather keep their lives the same instead of being freed or improving their situation (King, Jr. 18). Also, others suggest that one should remain hard-hearted, but doing so only creates people who fight with violence and hatred (King, Jr.18). While others maintain a hard heart is an essential quality, the violence hardhearted people turn to only creates "temporary victories", more problems, and only impermanent peace (King, Jr. 18). The combination of a tough mind and tender heart is ideal, as God's greatness stems from his possession of both attributes shown with His justice and wrath but also …show more content…
Do you think both a tough mind and a tender heart are necessary to end racism or to be successful in any capacity?
2. If both are not necessary, which quality is more important to have? A tough mind? Or a tender