The Courage of Quiet Consistency

Always it seems there is an expectancy that someone will rush in and do something dramatic to solve our problems, with some spectacular solution. But often what is needed is the undramatic, and unspectacular honest performance; thoughtful, sound decisions; and doing daily what needs to be done⎯a quality that requires a special kind of courage, moral courage: “The courage to do one’s duty,” as Samuel Smiles said it. “If men and women do not possess this virtue,” he said, “they have no security whatever for the preservation of any other . . . But the greater part of the courage that is needed . . . is not of a heroic kind . . . but the courage to be what we really are, . . . the courage to live honestly within [our] own means, rather than dishonestly upon the means of other people;” the courage quietly to say no to wrong, yes to right; the courage not to follow extreme fashions; the courage of quiet consistency. Rebellion, moral deviation, departure from principles⎯these don’t offer any answer and never led to a sound or happy life for anyone anywhere, ever. The facts, the consequences, the laws of life, sooner of later have to be faced. “A man must have the courage to be himself, . . . think his own thoughts, . . . and form his own convictions . . .” to be enduring, and quietly, courageously consistent. Since there are problems, and since life is precious, and since quick, easy solutions are not probable, we would well learn to live by the basic rules, the virtues, the commandments God has given, with patience, with cleanliness and sincere consistency. “Do your duty to the best of your power, win the approbation of your conscience,” said Sir John Pakington, “and popularity, in its best and highest sense, is sure to follow.” Blessed is he who is competent and responsible, honest and sensible, and goes quietly about his business.