“Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes,
see not, and, having ears, hear not…?”
- Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775
In discussions about displaying courage, an internal monologue emerges that prompts a very important question, “How do I know what’s right?” The answer is not always clear. If you find yourself asking this question, you’re not alone.
It’s a recurring question we’ve struggled with since the beginning of time. Founding father and Governor of Virginia Patrick Henry pondered this question in 1775, when our forming nation was undecided on whether to mobilize into a war for independence.
As I read his “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech, key thoughts helped highlight the thought process to find the answer to that burning question.
“I consider [the question] as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery.”
Although these words point to the actual circumstances of the day, they resonate in our current leadership journey. When we are morally confronted with deciding what’s right and what’s not, the course forward may point to two outcomes: to break free or stay subject to whatever situation we’re in.
I believe this is a good pivot point in deciding where to go. Analyze how given courses of action either set you on a better course or preserve a bad situation -- one in which you remain a victim of fear or inaction, limiting progress toward the life you or your team have the potential to own.
“[I]t is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope.
We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth,
and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts.”
Another pivot point in getting to the answer of what’s right is conviction. Sometimes, we decide not to move forward for fear the consequences may be too great. Still, we hear our inner giant voice telling us, “Go! This is the path you need to take.”
If you’ve have the sense something inside you is insistently talking to you, it’s most likely the voice of conviction -- the conscience that knows right from wrong. Listen and then talk to those close to you who can give you counsel.
“They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope
with so formidable an adversary. But when should we be stronger?”
Patrick Henry ultimately decided it was time for our nation to act. Many doubted the Colonies had the strength. Little did the doubters know they were not outnumbered, because courage that overcomes fear is more powerful than the prison of hope that sees no action. The rest, as you know, is history.
Finding what’s right was a debate between enslavement and liberty for Patrick Henry. It could be the same for you when facing decisions of staying subjugated or promoting a course of positive action that gives you freedom.
Always motivated,
Chief LugoSantiago.
This is the fourth in a series of commentaries by LugoSantiago, who serves as the AFIMSC command chief master sergeant.
Reference
Henry, Patrick. “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death.” March 23, 1775. Project Gutenberg. Public Domain. Online: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6.