The Elements of Personal Virtue

For a real leader, the elements of personal virtue – self-reliance, self-control, honor, truthfulness, morality – are absolute.

President John Adams wrote to one of his sons:

• A young man should weigh well his plans.
• Integrity should be preserved in all events, as essential to his happiness, through every stage of his existence.
• His first maxim should be to place his honor out of reach of all men.

The true measure of leadership is how you react when the wind leaves your sails, when the tide turns against you.