THE German bombs that pounded Birmingham during the bleakest days of the Blitz nor the IRA explosions that brought bloodshed three decades ago achieved their aim of intimidating the people of this city.
Nor will the current wave of terrorist attacks. We are too resilient, steadfast and courageous to be so readily cowed.
We must, of course, show greater vigilance as we go about our lives, reporting to the authorities anything that raises our suspicions.
But we cannot let the threat of terrorist activity prevent us doing the things we want and need to do. To shrink away from living normal lives would be to hand an easy victory to the merchants of death and destruction.
Nor can we turn on those we have long regarded as friends, neighbours and colleagues: again, division and disharmony would be a success for the terrorists.
Some inconvenience will be necessary in the months ahead - longer queues at airports, for instance.
People will be questioned by the police though they have nothing to hide. Some may even have their homes and workplaces searched.
Though the authorities must show sensitivity and commonsense when dealing with such situations, it is crucial that people effected show understanding.
To protect the safety of the population and defend the liberties we hold dear and which were won only after great struggle, such irritations will be necessary.
Terrorism hit the headlines with the car bombs in London's busy West End and the weekend's attack on Glasgow airport, crowded with families ready to jet off on holiday.
But the truth is that terrorism is a ghost that will lurk in the shadows in the years ahead and will only be laid to rest if we remain resolute and united.
Those are our greatest strength in the battles ahead.