So then learn to conquer your fear. This is the only art we have to master nowadays: to look at things without fear, and to fearlessly do right.

The quote “So then learn to conquer your fear. This is the only art we have to master nowadays: to look at things without fear, and to fearlessly do right.” is attributed to Friedrich Dürrenmatt, a Swiss playwright, novelist, and essayist known for his sharp commentary on politics, justice, and human morality. Dürrenmatt’s works often explore the complexity of ethical choices in a world filled with ambiguity and power struggles. This quote reflects his deep concern with the moral courage needed to act rightly in an increasingly uncertain and turbulent world.

At its core, the quote is a call to develop courage as a necessary response to modern challenges. Dürrenmatt identifies fear as a major obstacle—not just personal fear, but a broader societal fear that prevents people from seeing clearly and taking moral action. The idea that this is “the only art we have to master” emphasizes how essential it is, especially in times of political or ethical crisis, to learn to act with integrity in spite of our fears.

The phrase “to look at things without fear” suggests the importance of clear-sightedness, of facing reality honestly rather than avoiding painful or difficult truths. Dürrenmatt believed that without overcoming fear, we risk falling into complacency, injustice, or even complicity. By linking fearlessness with the imperative “to do right,” he reinforces the idea that moral action must not be delayed or denied by fear.

Ultimately, Dürrenmatt’s quote is a powerful reminder of the need for moral bravery in a world that often punishes those who speak truth or uphold justice. It challenges individuals to cultivate the strength not just to resist external threats, but to master their internal fears—and through that mastery, become agents of conscience, clarity, and change.