Courage, and Choices

June 5, 2011

 

“I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.”

These words, written almost 70 years ago, are the words of a young girl hiding from the Nazis with her family in an Amsterdam attic. Of course these are the words of Anne Frank.

“I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.”

To me, Anne was and is a hero. She has guided me throughout my own life. And her words helped me in my own times of tragedy to ultimately face those tragedies with courage and hope.

About a year ago, I had an interesting — but for me disturbing — conversation with a family member. Our discussion was about courage — who did we think in history was courageous?

I immediately said, “Anne Frank.” My son-in-law could not understand why. And somehow I was not articulate enough to explain it to him.

Well, that inability has bothered me for a long time. And so: here is the why.

Anne never gave up, never, despite all the horror and brutality around her. She lived her life — short as it was — and she chose to believe in the goodness of human beings. I do not think it is childish or naїve to believe in goodness; on the contrary, I think it takes extraordinary strength of character. It takes COURAGE.

I could name other heroes of my childhood who have remained with me all my life: historically, Joan of Arc; fictionally, King Arthur and Robin Hood. They go on and on for me, and I would hope for all of us. They are our beacons of hope.

Now that I’m older — quite a bit older than the 12-year-old who read Anne Frank’s words for the first time — I have added an equally older hero to my pantheon of heroes. Or perhaps I should say “teacher”: The Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama has remained stalwart in his belief in compassion for ALL living beings. He has never wavered in seeking peace. And he too believes in the ultimate goodness of people. What could be more courageous?

I believe that we all carry that spark of humanity — divinity — within us. It is the loving, caring, generous part of each of us.

Yes...of course I know that evil exists. That is the duality of our experience here on Earth.

But I choose Goodness and...

“I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.”

Thank you.