That can happen even if you try to avoid the danger. Perhaps he believed that setting an example and showing that some things are larger and more important than an individual was the better path. While he worked in what he called the "macro" his message was that there is no excuse for you not to work in the micro to your utmost, do what you believe, act to make it happen. His path may not have been for everybody, but I hope there are enough willing to take up that mantle that what he started doesn't end. Non-violent dialog between those that disagree really is the only path to what makes America the place we want it to be.