That was the tragedy. Not that one man had the courage to be evil. But that millions had not the courage to be good.
The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.
It is curious–curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare.
What the individual can do is to give a fine example, and to have the courage to uphold ethical values .. in a society of cynics.
The sad end he met in Afghanistan was more accurately a function of his stubborn idealism - his insistence on trying to do the right thing. In which case it wasn't a tragic flaw that brought Tillman down, but a tragic virtue.
Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth.
We must not believe the Evil One when he tells us that there is nothing we can do in the face of violence, injustice and sin.
Without justice, courage is weak.
I say people who feel they must have a faith or religion in order to face life are showing a kind of cowardice, which in any other sphere would be considered contemptible. But when it is in the religious sphere it is thought admirable, and I cannot admire cowardice whatever sphere it is in.
In true courage there is always an element of choice, of an ethical choice, and of anguish, and also of action and deed. There is always a flame of spirit in it, a vision of some necessity higher than oneself.
It is very hard for evil to take hold of the unconsenting soul.
To me, it's a heroic attribute to be so committed to a principle that you apply it, not when it's easy, not when it supports your position, not when it protects people you like, but when it defends and protects people that you hate.
The hour calls for moral grandeur and spiritual audacity.
The sad truth is that societies that demand whistleblowers be martyrs often find themselves without either, and always when it matters the most.
