Moral Courage

Malala Yousafzai is one of the current faces of moral courage. Malala, a Pakistani student, stood up for her beliefs and got shot by the Taliban. She survived her injuries and continues to speak up for the right of young girls to be educated. Although she has gained popularity worldwide, she was considered an upstart and rebel by her own community.

Robert Kennedy was also known for speaking out against injustice. He was assassinated for his beliefs.

“Few men are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world which yields most painfully to change.” (Robert Kennedy)

Moral courage is standing up for what you believe is right, even if that means being criticized or ostracized by those around you. Whenever you question the traditional standards of your family, friends, or community, there is bound to be conflict. Yet, when you fail to stand up for your civil rights, but, instead, go along with the status quo—so as to avoid friction, criticism, or societal ostracization—then you are displaying moral cowardice. You might justify it as ‘picking your battles,’ or ‘trying to keep peace,’ or ‘not wanting to rock the boat,’ but, in reality, it is just that you don’t want to face the displeasure and disapproval of those around you.

I am learning to accept conflict as a byproduct of moral courage. I expect it. I prepare to deal with it. Any time I stand up for my values, there will be some backlash from those who have a different perspective. Bring it on! 

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” (Steve Jobs)