A distortion of one of life's philosophical axioms says, "If you can keep your head when all about you others are losing theirs, it may be you do not fully understand the problem." In reality, it actually takes considerable courage to take a stand on what is right and, if necessary, stand alone on that principle. A courageous person often is able to stand alone, calmly in response to a tumultuous situation, and act on what one believes to be right.

We created most of the problems that face American business and community life. If the problems of society are the products of society, the solution to those problems lies within those who have the courage to stand courageously on the principles that must regulate life together in a society. President John Kennedy once reminded us that "No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings." Our reason and spirit and courage as a nation have often solved the seemingly unsolvable. We can do it again.

As citizens, we face simple and complex challenges in our communities, our states and our nation. The people we elect at all levels of government struggle constantly to find solutions to these problems. Likewise, leaders in business and the professions grapple with problems that we have created for ourselves. It takes courage for people to face difficult issues, to make a decision that others might oppose. It takes courage to search creatively for new answers to old questions, using history to guide the future, not to limit and restrict the future. It takes courage to move merely one step closer toward a solution that may not be fully realized for years to come. But the first steps must be taken by someone, somewhere.

History is filled with accounts of individuals who reached deep inside themselves to find the courage to "do the right thing" when all about them their peers and friends were doing otherwise. Invariably the lessons of the business of life and living teach us that the person who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The person who walks alone is likely to end up in places no one has ever been before.

Courage is a cornerstone of character which is not without its attendant difficulties. Courage sometimes leads to misunderstanding because the courageous person often stands alone in understanding both simple and complex issues.

There are many instances in which we feel we have only two real choices in life: we can dissolve into the mainstream, or we can be distinct. To be distinct one must be willing to be different. To be different, one must strive to be what no one else but you can be. That often takes courage.