It takes a strong person to do what’s right. But it takes an even stronger person to do what’s right when everyone else is doing what’s wrong.

And that’s the whole principle behind peer pressure.

The most valuable thing you own in this world is your integrity and morals. It’s the decisions you make that ultimately make you who you are. And once you compromise those morals by joining the crowd, you become just like everyone else.

It’s those that stand up to the opposition and do what’s right are the ones that make history.

I’ve got a good example.

Back in the winter of 1886, a 28-year old Theodore Roosevelt had his boat stolen on the Missouri River by three outlaws.

Rather than taking the loss, Roosevelt decided to pursue the thieves despite it being below freezing. He hired two men by the name of Bill Sewall and Wilmot Dow who helped him build a new boat and proceeded down the icy river to track the fleeing culprits.

After three days of of floating in 20° weather, Roosevelt and his men caught up to the thieves and luckily they surrendered without any violence as they were malnourished and weak from trying to escape.

But here’s the kicker.

The outlaws had abandoned the boat days ago and were on foot from that point on. And Roosevelt’s hastily-made boat was only fit for three men. Being 150 miles away from the closest Sheriff and now having six mouths to feed, it didn’t look good.

Roosevelt’s hired help took him aside and told him the reasonable thing to do would be to shoot and kill the outlaws. Remember, this was in the 1800’s and killing men over a crime wasn’t uncommon and not necessarily frowned upon.

But Roosevelt didn’t wan’t to hear it. His pride, integrity, and desire to do what’s right despite what anyone else would’ve done pushed him to make a decision that would only further seal his legacy.

He then ordered his men to help him build a raft sufficient for six people and began the journey to the nearest Sheriff in Dickinson, North Dakota. All so he could bring these three men to justice in a lawful manner.

For the next eight days, Roosevelt and his men took turns watching over the prisoners. At one point, Roosevelt stayed awake for 40 consecutive hours, guarding the outlaws himself.

Despite having very little food and warmth, the men trecked on and finally reached Dickinson where he turned over the prisoners as the law would’ve wanted.

This story is a great example of doing what’s right regardless of what everyone around you may think. You might not be bringing thieves to justice anytime soon, but Roosevelt serves as a great example as to what happens to those who stick to their morals and does the job right.

And remember, just because everyone does it or because it’s normal doesn’t make it right. Stick to what feels good to you.

Until next time,
Isaiah Taylor

Dive Deeper

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