The efforts made by one individual can be immensely important. Nichiren repeatedly states that victory depends not on numbers but on a group or individual’s attitude or resolve. In one passage he writes: “Everyone in Japan, from the sovereign on down to the common people, all without exception tried to do me harm, but I have survived until this day. This is because, although I am alone, I have firm faith [in the Lotus Sutra]” (MW-3, 198). In other words, his strong faith enabled him to emerge triumphant. I find this passage deeply moving.

from sgi.org