Develop Courage

Statesmen must have the courage to venture, endure, and withstand dangers, fears, and difficulties that stand as roadblocks to their missions.

Mentors play a pivotal role in developing this attribute. Imagine a young student who possesses a strong work ethic and sense of mission, yet is afraid to speak in public.

His mentor might draw attention to men and women who sacrificed and endured fear to fulfill their missions as well. He could then provide opportunities for the student to exert control over his fears by speaking in front of a small group of peers, followed later by increasingly larger ones. He could also assign the student roles in simulations where he may have to fight for what he believes.

One of the most challenging situations for many students is the oral examination, wherein the mentor designs the setting and questions to maximize the growth of each student. While every student has his own specific fears, overcoming them in one area usually gives the student confidence to overcome them in others. 

Ultimately, mentors maintain an educational environment where increasing difficulties are met sequentially, allowing the student to grow through formidable yet surmountable challenges.

Churchill said that courage is the most important of all virtues because it is the one that guarantees the others. While its supremacy over all virtues is debatable, its practicality is hard to deny. Consequently, it is a virtue we prize highly.

Inspire Greatness