Wisdom is the child of integrity—being integrated around principles. And integrity is the child of humility and courage.
Stephen R. Covey
Wisdom Is the Child of Integrity
Theme: Wisdom
Wisdom is the child of integrity—being integrated around principles. And integrity is the child of humility and courage. In fact you could say that humility is the mother of all the virtues because humility acknowledges that there are natural laws or principles that govern the universe. They are in charge. We are not. Pride teaches us that we are in charge. Humility teaches us to understand and live by principles, because they ultimately govern the consequences of our actions. If humility is the mother, courage is the father of wisdom. Because to truly live by these principles when they are contrary to social mores, norms, and values takes enormous courage…
Stephen R. Covey was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 24, 1932, and he passed away on July 16, 2012. He was more than an educator and author; he was also a family man deeply rooted in his faith. Covey was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His belief in God and universal principles significantly influenced his teachings and writings. Married to Sandra Merrill Covey for over 50 years, the couple had nine children. Covey's family life and faith were central to his understanding of leadership and personal effectiveness, themes he explored in books like "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families."
Covey was a professor at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University at the time of his death. But he was best known for his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." This book was part of a broader collection of works that also includes titles like "First Things First," "Principle-Centered Leadership," and "The 8th Habit." These books weren't just about being effective in business; they were about how to live a balanced, meaningful life.
Stephen R. Covey left a lasting impression through his teachings and writings, but perhaps his most enduring legacy is the way he lived his life. He emphasized the importance of character, integrity, and ethical leadership. These were not just principles he talked about; they were principles he lived by. His lessons continue to influence people all over the world, encouraging them to lead lives that are not only effective but also grounded in good values.
The 8th Habit
Covey, Stephen R. [The 8th Habit—From Effectiveness to Greatness] pages 296-297.
Stephen R. Covey
Theme: Wisdom
About This Stephen R. Covey Quotation [Commentary]
Stephen R. Covey’s reflection, “Wisdom is the child of integrity—being integrated around principles. And integrity is the child of humility and courage,” highlights the interconnected qualities essential for a principled life. Covey begins with the idea that wisdom arises from integrity, which he defines as living in alignment with enduring principles. This integrity, however, is nurtured by humility and courage, forming the foundation for a life guided by universal truths.
Humility, Covey explains, is the starting point for wisdom. It acknowledges the existence of natural laws or principles that govern life beyond individual control. This humility contrasts with pride, which fosters an illusion of self-sufficiency. By recognizing the limits of personal power, humility encourages alignment with these principles and acceptance of their consequences. Through this acknowledgment, integrity becomes possible, requiring a steadfast commitment to truth even when it challenges personal desires or societal expectations.
Courage complements humility by enabling individuals to uphold integrity amid external pressures. Living by universal principles often demands bravery, especially when these principles clash with social norms. Courage sustains the resolve to act with integrity, allowing wisdom to emerge as the product of moral clarity and principled action. Covey’s vision of wisdom is not merely intellectual but a dynamic interplay of humility and courage, leading to a life aligned with universal truths.
An Additional Stephen R. Covey Quote [And Commentary]
Stephen R. Covey envisions the coming millennium as the “Age of Wisdom,” a time when humanity will be guided by deeper understanding and ethical clarity. He suggests this shift will be driven either by circumstances that humble people, an awakening of conscience, or both. As individuals and societies confront the consequences of pride and neglecting universal principles, Covey believes they will turn to wisdom as a stabilizing force. Rooted in humility, courage, and integrity, this wisdom offers a pathway to a more conscientious and principled way of living, aligning humanity with enduring truths to address the challenges of the modern world.
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