BE TRUTHFUL, GENTLE, FEARLESS
It’s December, and the silverware is being polished.
Around the world are about three million schools. And those that wrap up their academic years in December will be hosting their annual prize-givings, ’round about now. Honouring their finest. From east to west.
Schools correctly bestow respect and recognition for a vast array of disciplines – from the most mainstream subjects to niche specialties.
None is more important than another. For diverse contributions are the foundation of our collective strength.
But occasionally, as the ceremonies unfold, the mind wanders.
“I wonder which award I’d love to win most?”
Is it the Victor Ludorum – to show off your body’s physical prowess?
Or the Maths Prize – to flex your intellectual biceps – for the adoring school community to see?
Is “excellence” the ultimate measure of success? Or is it Herculean“effort” instead?
Tomorrow night, a small independent primary school will bestow a new honour for the first time.
On the certificate of citation, will be these words, by Mahatma Gandhi: “Be truthful, gentle and fearless.”
The name of the honour: “The Award for Courageous Thinking.”
Looking into South Africa’s and the world’s crystal balls, it would be easy to see the relevance of so many school prizes: all that razor-sharp expertise.
The raw, relentless tenacity. But increasingly, it’s not the skills nor work ethic that’s missing across society.
It’s courage.
And in the words of Maya Angelou: “Without courage, we cannot practise any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”
“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends,” warned the author JK Rowling.
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.
“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition,” urged the late Steve Jobs.
And Winston Churchill said: “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” Touché.
In a captured country and a cynical world, South Africa and Planet Earth urgently need a new generation of freedom fighters.
Starting with an army of child soldiers.
Ready for battle. Trained and equipped: to think courageously.
And then truthfully, gently and fearlessly: To speak. Out loud. For all the world to hear.
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Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition Steve Jobs FOUNDER OF APPLE