The Uncommon Man
In this modern world of unchallenged sameness, there are still those among us who choose to stand apart, those that willfully separate themselves from the herd and refuse to be counted in the roll call of commonality and they are determined to deny the mind-numbing regimen of spirit-crushing conformity.
Those who choose the "less traveled path" are the uncommon among us. They are the Uncommon Men.
Theodore Roosevelt said once, "If he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory or defeat." This was an Uncommon Man talking about Uncommon Men.
Fleet admiral Chester Nimitz offered the tribute, "Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue."
There are times when a higher level of courage or valor is required to complete a seeming impossible task. Most people do not have the ability to summon and muster this type of courage. It is so rare and that is why it is so uncommon.
During the two-month long battle of Iwo Jima, 22 US Marines were awarded Medals of Honor for their heroic actions. This was more than 25% of all the Medals of Honor awarded to Marines during the entire course of World War II. A total of 27 Medals of Honor were awarded for bravery during just those two months of battle on Iwo Jima, five of which went to Navy corpsman. Those were Uncommon Men.
Robert Frost penned the following, "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both. I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." This is the path of the Uncommon Man.
Vince Lombardi in a speech on what it takes to number one said, "It is a reality that men are competitive and that the most competitive games draw the most competitive men. That's why they are there - to compete. The object is to win fairly, squarely, by the rules - but to win.
And in truth, I've never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart, didn't appreciate the grind, the discipline. There is something in good men that really yearns for discipline and the harsh reality of head-to-head combat."
Again from Vince Lombardi, "I firmly believe that any man's finest hour—his greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear—is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious."
The Character of the Uncommon Man.
The Uncommon Man stands steadfast and tall with the unassailable confidence of moral conviction when others falter or cower in the face of evil and the suppression of truth.
He will sacrifice his own well-being and safety for the safety and protection of others.
He will fight ferociously for the ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice.
He demands of himself the pursuit of excellence in all his endeavors and pursuits.
He is not timid or easily offended and can take the harshest of criticism with humility.
His word is his honor and it is never broken.
He is polite and well-mannered, chivalrous to all.
He is honest in his intentions and deeds with all who he meets.
He has an insatiable thirst for knowledge and experience and constantly strives for self-improvement.
He takes personal responsibility for all of his actions and is willing to accept the consequences thereof.
He is possessed of the strength of ferocious resolve in the face of evil and the oppression of innocents.
He is kind, benevolent and generous.
He is a good husband, a good father, and a good example to all.
He does not seek violence but is undeterred when faced with it.
He is never jealous but always inspired by the success of others.
He is uncompromising in his own self-evaluation.
He demands much more of himself than he does of others.
In his pursuit of personal excellence, he does not double down on his strengths. He triples down on his weakness.
He strives to sharpen his skills every day, in every way.
He is well-groomed, physically fit, and has unwavering self-respect.
And most important for all the above to be successful, the Uncommon Man will never quit, never give up and never question his will and ability to prevail against any and all odds no matter what the cost or personal sacrifice.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle
Live for and always do the things you know you should. Make those things your habits.
If you have read this far, then I believe that you are also a member of the brotherhood of Uncommon Men. I believe that you are an Uncommon Man. The world needs Uncommon Men. Our future needs Uncommon Men. Our families and children need Uncommon Men.
I affirm this to you; we will always need Uncommon Men.
“Live for something or die for nothing.”
I simply ask, if not you then who?
Be the Uncommon man.
