Moral courage

by Rushworth M Kidder. Morrow books, 2005.

In this absorbing work, Rushworth Kidder examines what it means to be morally courageous. How easy is it to do the right thing? Why are people sometimes unable to speak out to prevent a wrong? Why do people cheat, lie and steal? Using numerous examples, some momentous, others relatively trivial, but all well-chosen, he shows how making ethical decisions is something we are all called on to do. He reveals that across all cultures, the same basic values are held high – honesty, fairness, respect and compassion are chief among them - and that moral courage depends on a clear grasp of these values. Asking oneself certain key questions should result in the right, morally right decision being made.

Although there is an American bias towards the content and to some extent the tone of this book, it is a highly readable and very worthwhile examination of the topic. It may be somewhat difficult to locate in the Library – you’ll find it in the non-fiction area at 179.6, which is ‘Philosophy - ethics’, though it could as easily be placed with the books on leadership, since great and respected leaders invariably exemplify moral courage. Kidder demonstrates how each of us can, in the manner of James Stewart in It’s a Wonderful Life, make a greater difference than we will ever know.

- John.