The Ultimate Measure of a Man

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

I have no idea where I was or how long ago it was when I first heard this quote, but I feel like it's been with me forever. This is one of only a few quotes I’ve memorized, the second favorite being a statement made by Eleanor Roosevelt about small minds……

Today we honor Martin Luther King Jr., observing what would have been his 97th birthday on January 15. Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize, at the very young age of 35. I can’t say for sure whether he felt this was a moment of challenge or controversy, but he certainly demonstrated his ‘measure’ when he pledged the prize money of $54,123, to advance the civil rights movement.

I’m wondering what it means to measure a man. For me, this means how he shows up in relationships, his work ethic, how he stewards what he has been given, and how he regards a stranger; does he contribute meaningfully, or take away from?

The ultimate measure would be then how he shows up when things are hard. When his children aren’t following his instruction, is he firm and kind, or does he yell and scream? When he is faced with the opportunity to take what isn’t his, does he chose to walk away? If it means risking his reputation, or his safety, to stand up for another, does he hold fast, run away, or pile on? Does he tell the truth even when the truth will cost him? Does he honor his commitments even when it is the last thing he wants to do, because someone is counting on him? Does he blame everyone but himself when things don’t go his way?

The Stoic Marcus Aurelius wrote in Meditations, “Refer your action to no other end than the common good”.

Each of us has to determine for ourselves what right living and right action look like. We have to know what our values are in order to know if we are living up to those standards. We glean our own set of values over our lifetime, based on life circumstances, modeling, and implicit/explicit messages.

Common good- this is what Martin Luther King Jr. wanted for us, through equality, human rights, and peace. And when standing up for this was nothing but challenge and controversy, he continued to act in accordance with the very values he was asking from all of us.

This measurement is of our character, defined as “The complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation”. (Merriam-Webster).

I am grateful to people in my life who showed me what good character looks like.

I am grateful to have the opportunity daily to contribute to the common good.

I am in awe of those who show up every day, in the face of their own challenge and controversy, and still contribute meaningfully to making this world a better place.

I am thankful for Martin Luther King Jr., and what he taught us all about character and courage.

Smiles,

Elisha