Lessons in Courage
What Jimmy Carter’s Authentic Leadership Can Teach Us About Conviction and Character
Today, Washington, D.C., honors Jimmy Carter with his funeral, marking the end of a remarkable and often polarizing life. For many, Carter’s presidency evokes memories of an energy crisis, inflation, and a world in turmoil. As someone born in the middle of the Reagan era, I didn’t live through Carter’s time in office, but his legacy was often presented to me as one of missed opportunities, ineffective policies, and ill-advised sweater choices. I’ve long been skeptical of his decisions as a leader and his results as a president.
Yet, as I reflect on his life, especially through the lens of Ryan Holiday’s Courage Is Calling, I’ve come to appreciate something deeper about Carter’s legacy. While his policies may not have resonated with me, Carter’s life embodied a rare kind of leadership—one defined by authenticity, conviction, and courage.
Holiday’s book challenges readers to see courage as the foundation of virtuous leadership, and it reframed my understanding of Carter. His story isn’t just one of successes or failures; it’s a story of someone who consistently chose to lead with integrity, even when it was unpopular. Today, as we reflect on his life, we can learn much from the courage Carter showed—not as a perfect leader, but as an unwaveringly principled one.
The Courage to Do What You Believe Is Right—Not What’s Popular
One of Carter’s defining traits was his willingness to make decisions based on principle rather than popularity. His presidency, marked by challenges on energy, the economy, and foreign policy, was a masterclass in conviction. He tackled issues head-on, even when doing so was politically costly.
Take his emphasis on energy conservation, for example. During a time when many leaders would have taken the easier path of appeasing short-term interests, Carter installed solar panels on the White House and implored Americans to reduce energy consumption. These actions didn’t win him votes or popularity, but they reflected a deep-seated belief in the need for sustainability and shared sacrifice.
Ryan Holiday writes in Courage Is Calling, “Courage is the management of and the triumph over fear.” Carter exemplified this in the face of public backlash. His decisions weren’t calculated for approval—they were rooted in his values. Holiday’s observation that “the brave don’t despair. They believe. They are not cynical, they care,” resonates deeply when reflecting on Carter’s approach. Even when his actions didn’t lead to immediate success, he believed in the long-term good they could achieve.
This kind of leadership—focused on doing what is right rather than what is expedient—feels increasingly rare today. Carter’s presidency reminds us that courage often requires enduring criticism for the sake of principle.
The Courage to Speak Truths People Don’t Want to Hear
Perhaps one of Carter’s most courageous moments came during his 1979 “Crisis of Confidence” speech, often misremembered as the “malaise” speech. Unlike most presidential addresses, it wasn’t designed to comfort or inspire. Instead, Carter confronted the nation with hard truths, warning that America’s obsession with consumption and materialism was eroding its values.
The speech was controversial. Critics called it defeatist and out of touch, and it likely contributed to his political downfall. But viewed through the lens of Holiday’s insights, it was an extraordinary act of courage. Holiday argues that true bravery is often about saying or doing what others won’t. Carter’s willingness to speak difficult truths, knowing they would make him unpopular, was a testament to his authenticity.
As Holiday said, “Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s the management of and triumph over fear.” Carter’s speech wasn’t fearless; it was bold. It was a calculated risk, and while it may not have succeeded politically, it demonstrated a leader unafraid to challenge his country to be better.
The Courage to Lead Beyond the Office
If Carter’s presidency was defined by conviction, his post-presidency was a masterclass in service. After leaving the White House, he could have chosen a quiet life of comfort. Instead, he dedicated his later years to humanitarian causes, from eradicating Guinea worm disease to building homes with Habitat for Humanity. In doing so, Carter redefined what it means to be a former president.
Holiday notes that courage is not confined to grand gestures; it’s often found in the quiet, consistent choices we make every day. Carter’s post-presidency embodied this idea. Whether hammering nails alongside volunteers or monitoring elections in far-flung corners of the globe, he demonstrated a steadfast commitment to service that transcended politics.
The observation that “courage calls each of us differently, at different times, in different forms” feels particularly apt when considering Carter’s life. While his presidency may have been polarizing, his post-presidency left an indelible mark, showing that leadership doesn’t require a title—it requires purpose.
What Carter and Holiday Taught Me About Leadership
Leadership is rarely perfect, but it’s always about choices. Jimmy Carter’s life offers a powerful example of the courage it takes to lead authentically. While I remain critical of his policies and results, I’ve come to respect the values that guided him.
Holiday’s Courage Is Calling helped me see Carter in a new light. The book tells the story of Florence Nightingale, who defied societal norms to revolutionize public health. Nightingale’s courage wasn’t flashy—it was rooted in conviction and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Carter’s story reminds me of hers. He wasn’t a flawless leader, but he was a courageous one, and that distinction matters.
Holiday writes, “Fear will make itself felt. It always does. Will we let it prevent us from answering the call?” Carter didn’t let fear stop him. Whether in the White House or in the field with Habitat for Humanity, he answered the call to serve with integrity and purpose.
Honoring Authenticity Over Agreement
Jimmy Carter may not have been the president I would have chosen, and I wasn’t alive to witness his time in office. But as his funeral takes place in Washington, I find myself reflecting on his legacy with a newfound respect. Leadership isn’t about always getting it right—it’s about having the courage to lead authentically and in alignment with your values.
My perspective on Carter’s life and legacy has evolved. His life wasn’t defined by perfection or popularity but by an unwavering commitment to his principles. That’s a legacy worth honoring, regardless of political agreement. Carter’s courage reminds us that authentic leadership transcends politics. It’s about standing firm in who you are and what you believe, no matter the cost. Today, as we say goodbye, we can carry forward his example of principled, courageous leadership.