Whenever I face difficult moments (usually when I have that sense of frustration with events that I either cannot control, or wish to influence!) I have a system to help me cope: I read history. There is always something to learn – ‘Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it‘ (Winston Churchill). Recent frustrations for me centre on courage, or rather the lack of moral courage, in our leaders.

One of my treasured possessions is a 1964 edition of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “Profiles in Courage,” by John F. Kennedy. Originally written by Kennedy whilst a Senator in 1955, my copy was re-issued by his brother, Robert Kennedy, following Kennedy’s assassination. John Kennedy wrote the book whilst recovering from surgery from a life threatening illness, as a way of helping him understand moral courage as he began his political career.

I have just re-read the book for the first time in many years.

The book  presents an inspiring and thought-provoking examination of the moments of bravery and integrity in the careers of eight United States’ Senators. Kennedy uses history to illustrate what it means to act according to one’s principles and against one’s own interests for the greater good. The book is not just an historical account of United States’ politics, it is also an exploration of moral courage and its relevance in the complex world of politics, regardless of time. 

In the context of today’s issues, what did I learn from a re-read of this book?

The Courage to Stand Alone

Each senator profiled in the book faced overwhelming pressure from their constituents, their colleagues, and sometimes even their own party, but they chose to stand alone based on their convictions. Kennedy highlights the internal and external conflicts these leaders faced, emphasising the personal cost of their decisions. I am reminded leadership is a challenge, it is not easy, and the rarity of genuine courage in today’s society should be of great concern to all of us.

The Conflict Between Obligations and Conscious 

Kennedy explores the tension between doing what is right (to act with integrity) and what is politically expedient. The senators he profiles often had to choose between their personal beliefs, their duty to represent their constituents, and the broader interests of the nation. This ongoing conflict accentuates the complex responsibilities of leaders and the difficult balance between moral principles and fiscal/operational/political obligations.

The Importance of Moral Integrity

‘Moral integrity’ is a phrase that resounds throughout the book. Kennedy admires these eight senators for their unwavering commitment to their ethical standards, even when such commitment threatened their careers and personal happiness. The book argues that true courage is rooted in a steadfast adherence to one’s moral compass, especially when it leads to unpopular decisions, a point echoed by Dr Stephen Covey in his timeless classic study ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’.

The Impact of Individual Actions on History

Kennedy demonstrates through his study of the eight senators how individual acts of courage can significantly influence the course of history. The decisions made by these senators had profound consequences not only for their own lives but also for their nation. Through these examples, Kennedy suggests that courage and integrity can shape history, highlighting the potential impact of every individual in public service. I would also add in any sector of life, whether it be academia, business or charitable.

Kennedy, in writing this book, prompts a reflection on the values that define effective and honorable leadership, encouraging political figures to rise above short-term interests in favour of long-term benefits for their country. Again, I would add not just their country but their respective institutions they are privileged to lead. The book, even 59 years after publication, serves as a call to action for today’s generation of leaders. Kennedy, in 1955, challenged readers to consider the legacy of courageous leadership and the role it plays in the democratic process. A lesson still relevant today.

The essence of true leadership is moral courage, an act of self-sacrifice rather than self-enrichment. As a leader your courageous, principled actions can have inspiring impact on your institutions, and those you lead, to act with conviction and integrity. As we navigate the complexities of contemporary issues, the lessons from “Profiles in Courage” are as relevant today as they were when Kennedy first wrote this tribute to moral bravery.

To summarise, ‘Courage is the only virtue you cannot fake’ (‘Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life’, Nassim Taleb.). Moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, or personal loss. During my military service a senior officer, with plenty of experience of leading people into battle, told me the key is integrity, to remember that those we lead would, if asked, say to us, “tell us not what we want to hear, but rather what we need to hear.”