The world as I see it.
The events in Tunisia, Egypt, and elsewhere help to illustrate the importance of courage. People have stood up and have spoken out despite repression and personal risk to themselves. They have had the courage to take action. And, with that, they are achieving real change that will benefit themselves and their society.
Through history, we see many examples of people who had courage and those who chose to stay “safe” ― to not see what was really happening, and who did not take action.
In Nazi Germany and collaborationist France, people knew that things were happening. But, they chose to stay “safe” ― to see nothing, to say nothing, to do nothing. It was too disturbing – too risky. We know the terrible consequences.
But not everyone ignored the situation. Many people did have the courage to take action – despite risk. Many people quietly helped save Jews and others. Many people fought in the French resistance and thus helped liberate France.
In 1936, German Pastor Martin Niemöller had the courage to speak out against the Nazi government – at great risk to himself and with subsequent imprisonment.
There are many more examples ― in other countries and in other times.
The same occurs in organizations. People know what is happening and some people have the courage to speak out while others chose the “safe” route of silence.
This even happens in families – the refusal to acknowledge what is and the lack of courage to do what must be done.
When we are not able, or not willing, to see what is and when we prefer to avoid conflict or risk and prefer to stay “safe”, we, in fact, put ourselves in prison.
But when we are willing to see what is and have the courage to take action, we become free.
That is why courage is important.
You may not agree with me but, That is how I see things.
Mark Louis Uhrich
Maisons-Laffitte, France, 7 February 2011
©Copyright Mark Uhrich
(First delivered 7 February 2011 in Paris ― a simulated television editorial at the Paris Speech Masters club of Toastmasters International.)