Author Paul Johnson wrote,
“How do we recognize the heroes and heroines of today?
“First, by absolute independence of mind, which springs from the ability to think everything through for yourself, and to treat whatever is the current consensus on any issue with skepticism.
“Second, having made up your mind independently, to act – resolutely and consistently.
“Third, to ignore or reject everything the media throws at you, provided you remain convinced you are doing right.
“Finally, to act with personal courage at all times, regardless of consequences to yourself.”
Freedom means different things to different people.
Just hearing the word can evoke images of Americana, political rallies, partisanship, hotly debated issues, and harsh feelings. It can also call up warm stirrings of apple pie and Fourth of July celebrations.
But I believe the concept of freedom is well embodied in Paul Johnson’s quote above. For what is freedom if it is not felt at the individual level? And in exercising those four traits any individual would be living at a very high level of freedom indeed.
But even more than how freedom is received, those four traits of a hero may be a huge key to how freedom is preserved. I would suggest that free societies can only result from, and be maintained by, such people.
Not everyone, though, will be such a person. From Sturgeon’s Law (as recently written about in Orrin Woodward and Oliver DeMille’s latest best seller Leadershift), we know not to expect more than maybe 10 percent. As Peter Shift said in a recent radio interview with Oliver DeMille, “that may even be very optimistic.”
But we don’t need everyone. We only need some…
Some who will think independently and decide on real issues for themselves.
Some who will act resolutely and consistently with those thoughts.
Some who will ignore and reject the “official story” and the programming of the agenda-laden media.
And finally, some who will act with personal courage regardless of the cost.
Freedom allows this type of living, but it also requires it.
Will you be a hero?
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Chris Brady co-authored the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Business Weekly, USA Today, and Money Magazine best-seller Launching a Leadership Revolution.
He is also in the World’s Top 30 Leadership Gurus and among the Top 100 Authors to Follow on Twitter. He has spoken to audiences of thousands around the world about leadership, freedom, and success.
Mr. Brady contributes regularly to Networking Times magazine, and has been featured in special publications of Success and Success at Home. He also blogs regularly at Chris Brady.
He is an avid motorized adventurer, pilot, world traveler, humorist, community builder, soccer fan, and dad.
What an excellent insight. Thank you for who you are and what you and your family stand for. You continue to inspire me the more of your ideas and ideals that I am exposed to. So glad to be part of the Rascal Nation.