Helen Keller’s book "Let Us Have Faith" was published in 1940. Her words are a timely reminder of the importance of vigilance in the face of prejudice and bigotry. Helen was acutely aware of the dangers of political and social discrimination. Seven years earlier, in 1933, her book entitled "How I became a socialist" was burned by Nazi youth during the book burning frenzy that took place in Germany. The following excerpt from "Let Us Have Faith" counsels us to be active participants in maintaining our democratic freedoms.
"...Democracy is a compound of faith embodied in fellowship, knowledge and action. These cannot be sundered without incalculable violence to personal liberty and the people’s welfare. Democracy is a searching test of character, and no responsibility is more fateful than its maintenance.
Under circumstances such as these it is preferable to put aside work unfinished, leave position and fortune un-acquired, research uncompleted, yes, and church walls unbuilt rather than leave humanity unprotected against the wicked desire to surrender will, intellect and person to unscrupulous leadership. Let us give a manly answer to the murderous doctrines that burn books, starve populations, exile seekers of truth and strive to blot out the humane culture which is our one heirloom from the past worth preserving."
Copyright © American Foundation for the Blind, Helen Keller Archives.
Image: Head and shoulders portrait of Helen Keller, circa 1920
