He was very passionate about penal reform.
I think that given his experiences in the penal system that makes a lot of sense.
he had a different view on humanity and its meaning.
I love that he stood up for his views even when they were not popular, not many people do that now.
Many people didn't like what he stood for, as he was boycotted in the South.
Most people would bow down to a boycott like that not wanting to lose the money.  I think he sacrificed a lot to stick to his beliefs.
His story is tragic; he had a hard time with drugs and alcohol.
I think a lot of musicians do, but He and maybe Elvis helped to bring that to light.
he did have a hard start in life, the Depression hit his family hard, and he did backbreaking work.
Yes that was definitely a difficult time for many people, he was lucky to be so talented, but he did other things to help like join the Air Force.
in the end, I think an opinion of Johnny Cash cannot be taken from textbooks or biographies. I think listening to his music will give you a true sense of how it relates to you.