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December 11th

DIGNITY AND BRAVERY

“As Cicero says, we hate gladiators if they are quick to save their

lives by any means; we favor them if they show contempt for their

lives.”

—SENECA, ON TRANQUILITY OF MIND, 11.4b

yndon Johnson’s college classmates used to tell an embarrassing story
about him. Johnson apparently had a big mouth and felt he had to
constantly dominate and intimidate others. Yet his biographer, Robert Caro,
makes it clear that when someone stood up to young Lyndon, he proved
himself to be a complete coward. In one instance, during an argument over
a poker game, instead of fighting, Johnson threw himself on a bed and
“began kicking his feet in the air with a frantic, windmilling motion... like
a girl.” He shouted, “If you hit me, I’ll kick you! If you hit me, I’ll kick
you!”
Later in his life, Johnson also worked extremely hard to avoid serving in
World War II and lived it up in California while other soldiers fought and
died abroad. He later claimed to be a war hero. It was one of his most
shameful lies.
We do not need to disregard our physical safety or engage in wanton
acts of violence to be brave. But nobody respects a coward. Nobody likes a
shirker of duty. Nobody admires a person who puts too high a price on their
own comfort and needs.
That’s the irony of cowardice. It’s aimed at self-protection, but it creates
shameful secrets. Self-preservation is hardly worth it because of everything
it costs in return.
Be brave. Be dignified.