Medford mail tribune., April 24, 1960, Image 38

Portrait of
the (Mam) off
Character
By CHARLES DE GAULLE
PRESIDENT OF FRANCE
Is the French soldier-statesman describing himself in this vivid word picture?
The man of character finds an especial attrac
tiveness in difficulty, since it is only by coming
to grips with difficulty that he can realize his
potentialities. Whether or no he proves himself
the stronger is a matter between it and him. He
is a jealous lover and will share with no one the
prizes or the pains that may be his as a result
of trying to overcome obstacles. Whatever the
cost to himself, he looks for no higher reward
than the harsh pleasure of knowing himself to
be the man responsible.
This passion for self-reliance is obviously ac
companied by some roughness in method. The man
of character incorporates in his own person the
severity inherent in his effort This is felt by his
subordinates, and at times they groan under it
In any event, a leader of this quality is inevita
bly aloof, for there can be no authority without
prestige, nor prestige unless he keeps his distance.
Those under his command mutter in whispers
about his arrogance and the demands he makes.
But once action starts, criticism disappears. The
man of character then draws to himself the hopes
and the wills of everyone as the magnet draws
iron. When the crisis comes, it is him they follow,
it is he who carries the burden on his own
shoulders, even though they collapse under it.
On the other hand, the knowledge that the lesser
men have confidence in him exalts the man of
character. The confidence of those under him gives
him a sense of obligation. It strengthens his
determination but also increases his benevolence,
for he is a born protector. If success attends upon
his efforts, he distributes its advantages with a
generous hand. If he meets with failure, he will
not let the blame fall on anybody but himself.
The security he offers is repaid by the esteem of
his men.
When the position becomes serious, when the
nation is in urgent need of leaders with
initiative who can be relied upon, and are willing
to take risks, then credit goes to whom credit is
due. A sort of a ground swell brings the man of
character to the surface. His advice is listened
to, his abilities are praised, and his true worth
becomes apparent. To him is entrusted, as a matter
of course, the difficult task, the direction of the
main effort, the decisive mission. Everything he
suggests is given serious consideration; all his
demands are met
He, for his part, does not take advantage of
this change in his fortunes, but shows a generous
temperament and responds wholeheartedly when
he is called upon. Scarcely, even, does he taste
the sweet savor of revenge, for his every faculty
is brought to bear upon the action he must take.
This rallying to character when danger threatens
is the outward manifestation of an instinctive
urge, for all men at heart realize the supreme
value of self-reliance and know that without it
there can be no action of value.
In the last resort, we must, to quote Cicero,
"judge all conduct in the light of the best exam
ples available," for nothing great has ever been
achieved without that passion and that confidence
which is to be found only in the man of character.
Alexander would never have conquered Asia,
Galileo would never have demonstrated the move
ment of the earth, Columbus would never have
discovered America, nor Richelieu have restored
the authority of the crown, had they not believed
in themselves and taken full control.
After the Battle of Jutland and the English
failure to take the opportunity offered them of
destroying the German fleet, Admiral Fisher, then
First Sea Lord, exclaimed in a fury after reading
Jellicoe's dispatch: "He has all Nelson's qualities
but one: he doesn't know how to disobey!"
History is filled with examples of men who,
though they were gifted beyond the ordinary, saw
their labors brought to nothing because they
were lacking in character. Whether serving, or
betraying, their masters in the most expert fashion,
they were entirely uncreative. Notable they may
have been, but famous never.
(Excerpted from "The Edge of the Sword" by Charles
de Gaulle, to be published April 26 by Crilerion Books,
New York. Copyright 1960 by Beraer-Leurault and
Criterion Books, Inc.)
COVER:
The paradise of pleasure in Mike Roberts'
vibrant photo is Hawaii. For a witty view
of the islands' splendor, see "Notes of a
Waikiki BeachnUc" by H. Allen Smith, p. 6.
WSeBJsrIy
LEONARD S. DAVIDOW frrtidms and rbl,.lr
WAITII C. MEYFUS Vice Pretidrnt
PATRICK I. OtOURKE AdrrrtUme Oirrclor
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April 24,1960
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