Learned courageousness

Learning to be more courageous is difficult, but by paying attention to activities that make time fly, all of us can better match our vocational impedance. By seeking career possibilities that match well with those activities we find engaging, we increase our chances of success. 

We dedicate this book to the students from whom we continue to learn, to the patients who have had the courage to participate in early gene therapy clinical trials, and to the fellow colleagues who help keep up the pace. 

All of which is okay, because about 60 percent readiness for independence is about the best parents can hope for. The late adolescent has to pick up the balance from the Big RRealitythrough the trial-and-error learning that opportunity and adversity provide. If parents and the late adolescent wait to separate until he or she is entirely ready for independence, separation will never begin. For the young man or young woman, the courage of late adolescence is to... 

Doubt arises when fear erodes confidence, with the young man or young woman wondering "Will I be able to separate from family and stand alone " Courage is going forward when confidence is lacking. Parents need to avoid the double message "We want you to be independent, but we re not sure you can make it on your own." Instead, an expression of faith would help "We believe you have what it takes to learn independence."... 

Confusion arises when lack of direction creates fear of an undetermined future. Courage is going forward when you don t know which way to go. Parents need to avoid the double message "We want you to make your own choices, but we don t want you to make the wrong ones." Instead, acceptance of uncertainty would help "It takes exploring, and trial-and-error learning, for people to figure out what they want to do in life."... 

Virtue ethics places less emphasis on learning rules, and instead stresses the importance of developing good habits of character. Historically, virtue theory is one of the oldest normative traditions in Western philosophy, having its roots in ancient Greek civilization. Plato emphasized four virtues in particular, which were later called cardinal virtues, wisdom, courage, temperance and justice. 

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