I was raised to highly value character and attributes like integrity and veracity. I’ve found that while I tend to be forgiving and open-minded about people, I nevertheless find it hard to forget or forgive those who have proven themselves untrustworthy.
Simultaneously, I believe in the idea of redemption and the notion that people learn and grow. I have witnessed and experienced both personal growth and transformation. People can adopt and internalize values and thus be redeemed, but it’s much harder to recover after a breach of trust.
Another idea that intrigues me is the concept of moral courage. I find it fascinating how society showers praise on acts of physical bravery, yet often overlooks the profound, transformative impact of moral courage.
Physical courage occurs in intense moments of crisis and is the result of a combination of instinct and rapid, decisive action. Physical courage, such as the actions of soldiers and first responders, is heroic and impactful, but it is moral courage that requires forethought and recognition of risk and is deliberated over, that strikes me as truly courageous. And it is moral courage that has transformed the world.
Dr. Alexander Vindman, is a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel and former Director of European Affairs at the National Security Council. alexandervindmanbook.com
For Every Jewel There is a Question:
Where in your life have you witnessed your own moral courage?
