The Hero Code
Things I Highlighted is a bulleted list of particular sentences in a book that stuck out to me. These cannot be viewed as general summaries of books, but rather parts of books that struck me in a way that demanded more of my attention. Typically I share one thing I highlighted from each chapter, so they will appear in the same order they appear in the book. This version of Things I Highlighted will cover The Hero Code, a book that discusses lessons learned from lives well lived.
The Hero Code
Chapter 1: Courage
We all have our lines in the sand, those fears that keep up from being courageous. But all you have to do to overcome those fears, those obstacles, those challenges in your life is to take one step forward. Just one.
Chapter 2: Humility
The power of humility is that it brings us closer together, and the role of every hero is to unite people, not divide them. Be humble. It will serve you well.
Chapter 3: Sacrifice
Learning to sacrifice is easy. Start by giving a little of yourself, every day. Give a little time to your friends. Give a little of your treasure to a worthy cause. Give a little love to your family. Every day—without fail—give a little of yourself.
Chapter 4: Integrity
Being a hero will not be easy. And what makes real heroes are their struggles and their ability to overcome them. But no matter how mightily you might struggle, the world will believe in you, follow you, and allow themselves to be saved—if they know you to be honest, trustworthy, of good character and good faith.
Chapter 5: Compassion
If we lose our sense of charity, of kindness, of compassion, if we become hardened to the troubles of others, then we will not survive long.
Chapter 6: Perseverance
Genius without resolve is just another passing person with a bright idea. Athletic prowess without determination is just another wasted talent.
Chapter 7: Duty
There is an old proverb, "For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe, the horse was lost. For want of a horse, the knight was lost. For want of the knight, the battle was lost. For want of a battle, the kingdom was lost. The kingdom was lost for the want of a nail."
Chapter 8: Hope
All heroes have something that makes them unique. Find that talent and use it to inspire others—to give hope, to make tomorrow a better day.
Chapter 9: Humor
In times of upheaval, crisis, and turmoil, great leaders turn to humor as a source of strength for themselves and those that they lead.
Chapter 10: Forgiveness
Forgiveness will never be easy. It was not meant to be. It takes a strong person to forgive. But the act of forgiving will strengthen your character immeasurably and it will rid you of hatred that is the demise of so many good men and women. Be the victor, not the victim. Learn to forgive.