Admiral McRaven Reminds Us that Humanity's Best Days Have Yet to Come
By: Melina Farahmand
Author of “From Dust to Breath: Finding Our Place in the Circle of LIfe.”
(Available on Amazon).
Founder & Owner: Past Present Future Co.
Admiral William H. McRaven, (U.S. Navy, Retired), is a man who has “confronted the worst of humanity, and the best of mankind.” He served as a Navy SEAL for thirty-seven years and was a 4-Star Admiral, serving as Commander of the U.S Special Operations Forces. Admiral McRaven served his country with the utmost honor and valor. He has seen every horrific aspect of humanity imaginable and still believes in the good of mankind. Most of you may recognize him from his infamous “Make Your Bed” speech -- a speech that reminds us that you can do little things every day to make a more significant impact. His address is a reminder that we don’t have to be superheroes to make a difference on this Earth. The most straightforward way to make a difference is to change the lives of a few people every day through kind acts. I’ve chosen a few quotes from his new book Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations. A beautiful memoir featuring stories starting from a childhood memory to joining the Navy, becoming a Navy SEAL, to some of his most challenging operations (ex: the capture of Sadam Hussein, and the raid that killed Osama Bin Laden). Sea Stories is an extraordinary book that gives readers a glimpse into the life of a hero, who teaches us many valuable life lessons along the way.
- “I realized that life is actually pretty simple. Help as many people as you can. Make as many friends as you can. Work as hard as you can, and no matter what happens, never quit!” (333)
- “Most of all, I learned that for all his faults, man is worthy of this world. For every reckless belligerent that seeks war, there are thoughtful wise men and women who strive for peace. For all the unbridled hatred that abounds, there is an even greater amount of unconditional love. For every Al Qaeda torture house in Iraq, every Taliban death squad in Afghanistan, every suicide bomber in Somalia, every righteous zealot who kills indiscriminately, there are countless mothers who care for their children and fathers who raise their young sons and daughters to be honest and hardworking” (333).
- “Man’s compassion far exceeds his greed. His caring is greater than his brutality. His courage outshines his cowardice and his sense of hope always prevails,” (333).
- “If a nation is to survive and thrive it must pass on the ideals that made it great and imbue in its citizens an indomitable spirit, a will to continue on regardless of how difficult the path, how long the journey, or how uncertain the outcome. People must have a true belief that tomorrow will be a better day-- if only they fight for it and never give up” (268).
- “Never ring the bell.”
