It’s easy to talk a good game about honesty, integrity, loyalty, and other virtues when everything is going smoothly and those virtues aren’t needed. It’s another matter entirely to act according to those virtues in difficult times. Times where taking a stand may result in harsh consequences and little to no worldly gain. Those difficult situations reveal one’s true values.
Robert Cialdini talks about the power of social proof in his book Influence. Social proof is the tendency to look at what others around us are doing and go along with them, and it’s extremely difficult for most people to avoid this. That’s what makes it all the more impressive when someone does stand up and say “Enough” even if they stand alone. Those people are usually maligned during their lives but are often celebrated after their deaths. The more they have to lose by taking a stand and the bigger the stand they take, the more they’re admired later on.
While there are a few people who take a stand for their values even when doing so creates a lot of trouble for them, there are many more who back down and do whatever they’re told. That’s understandable since rocking the boat comes with a lot of risks, but it’s inspiring to see the few who make waves regardless of what happens to them as a result. Their courage and boldness often end up making things better for everyone, even those who chose to remain quiet rather than speak up. They inspire others to stick to their guns when the going gets tough and, since many of them came from humble backgrounds, they also show us that anyone can do this. True leadership is exactly that: inspiring people to take action even when it’s difficult and teaching by example. As long as there are leaders who encourage others to stand up for their values, there will always be hope for the future.