50 years ago, at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, second-in-command Vasilli Arkhipov of the Soviet submarine B-59 refused to agree with his Captain's order to launch nuclear torpedos against US warships and setting off what might well have been a terminal superpower nuclear war.
The US had been dropping depth charges near the submarine in an attempt to force it to surface, unaware it was carrying nuclear arms. The Soviet officers, who had lost radio contact with Moscow, concluded that World War 3 had begun, and 2 of the officers agreed to 'blast the warships out of the water'. Arkhipov refused to agree - unanimous consent of 3 officers was required - and thanks to him our beautiful world is still alive. Yet he died relatively unknown.
Also this passage. I don't remember the exact story behind it, but I think the father was terminally ill and left this for his two children.
Find something that fully engages your mind. And your heart. For that is the way to happiness.
Push harder. Do better. Never give into complacency. Be wide-ranging in your interests, and decisive in your judgments. Give every opportunity the benefit of the doubt. Always go the distance. And don't buy uncomfortable shoes.
Think for yourself. Be realistic, but not pessimistic. Listen.
Do not let shyness rob you of pleasure. But be careful when you are the center of attention, the light there is blinding.
Do not lie, cheat, or steal, even when everyone else in the country is.
There are no known, predetermined, absolute values. We create our own morality. A good person judges his actions by the effects they will have on others, and by estimating the result if everyone behaved the same way.
Don't look for the meaning of life. Supply it.
Return your calls, and answer your mail. This alone will set you apart, as many people are either too rude or too disorganized to practice this simple courtesy.
To be born into this country of freedom and opportunity, but with a disability that renders both outside your grasp, may be the cruelest trick that fate can play on an infant. You have no disabilities. Always remember that.
A heart never heals, but it does get stronger.
