Why we do what we do

[eisely]

The following paragraphs were written recently by Peggy Noonan, a journalist and commentator in a larger piece in which she wrote about taking her young son to meet Ronald Reagan. Whatever you may think about the Gipper, the words shed some light on what motivates scouters, and are worthy of reflection, particularly in light of the controversies about appropriate role models.

 

"The young are moved by greatness. They are inspired by it. Children need heroes. They need them to lift life, to suggest a future you can be hungry for. They need them because heroes, just by being, communicate the romantic and yet realistic idea that you can turn your life into something great. The key, of course, is to have the right heroes--to be lifted by greatness and not just by glamour, to be lit by the desire to do good, as opposed to the desire to do well.

 

The lesson, compliments of three presidents: Be brave, have guts, do what you think right no matter the cost, and mean it, be sincere, it's not a game. Do these things and you will be remembered, whoever you are, whatever you are, with love and gratitude. Fail to do them and you'll wind up an object of embarrassment and derision."

[frankj]

I am glad you posted that excerpt. Noonan is a powerful writer. More of her material is available at a site called townhall.com