Courage to Face up to Ethical Challenges

By Gen. C.C. Krulak, USMC, Commandant

We are not born with character. It is developed by the experiences and decisions that guide our lives. Each individual creates, develops and nurtures his or her own character. Being a man or woman of character is no easy task. It requires tough decisions, many of which put you at odds with the more commonly accepted social morés of the times. Making the right ethical choices must become a habit. Decisions cannot be situational, based on other's actions or dependent upon whom is watching. Cowardliness in character, manifested by a lack of integrity, or honor, will sooner or later manifest itself as cowardliness in other forms. People who have the courage to face up to the ethical challenges in their daily lives, to remain faithful to sacred oaths, have a reservoir of strength from which to draw upon in times of great stress—in the heat of battle.

Previous Story        Back to Inspirational Stories        Next Story