Very interesting definition of Courage

CA CS CIMA Prakash Somani (Landmark Group) (23502 Points)

25 August 2009  

 

The following is from one of the chapters in the new book "Walk the Talk" by Eric Harvey & Steven Ventura, which they had reproduced in the mail sent to me, which i am reproducing below:

Question : What does `Courage" have to do with being a person of good character.. with someone why stays true to their principles and their values?

ANSWER : Everything..

You see, being value-driven means two things:

1. Doing what's right - following our consceince; refusing to compromise our principles, despite pressures and temptations to the contrary, and

2. Taking a stand against what's wrong - speaking out, whenever we see others do things that are incorrect or inappropriate.

Unquestionably, both of those require guts and fortitude.. they require courage.

Courage is

- Following your conscience instead of "following the crowd"

- Refusing to take part in hurtful or disrespectful behaviours.

- Sacrificing pesonal gain for the benefit of others.

- Speaking your mind even though others don't agree

- Taking complete responsibility for your actions... and your mistakes

- Following the rules - and insisting that others do the same

- Challenging the status quo in search of better ways

- Doing what you know is right - regardless of the risks and potential consequences

`Cadet prayer' that is repeated during chapel services at the U.S. Military Academy:

"Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole truth can be won. Endow us with the courage that is born of loyalty to all that is noble and worthy, that scords to compromise with vice and injustice and knows no fear when truth and right are in jeopardy".

This is  the true essence of courage.

- End quote.

Hope you find the above not only interesting but also something to think hard about every single activity we do in our day to day worklife and personal life