"To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage."

Seeing the right path and failing to follow it is a clear sign of lacking bravery. This idea is pretty straightforward, but it packs a punch. It means that knowing what the right thing to do is and then choosing not to do it is essentially an act of cowardice. It’s not enough to recognize the right course of action—you have to have the guts to follow through, even when it’s tough.

Think about the historical context of this idea. It’s often attributed to Confucius, a Chinese philosopher who lived around 500 BCE. Confucius emphasized morality, justice, and sincerity. He believed that a good society was built on individuals who acted rightly and courageously. This quote reflects that belief: seeing good and doing nothing is a failure of the moral fiber he valued so highly.

Now, let’s bring this concept into a modern, relatable context. Imagine you’re at work and you see a colleague being unfairly treated by your boss. You know it’s wrong. You feel it in your gut. But it’s scary to speak up, right? You might fear retaliation, or maybe you think it’s not your business. But if you stay silent, you’re essentially choosing the easy path over the courageous one. True bravery is stepping in and speaking up, even if your voice shakes.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your everyday life? Start small. Begin by recognizing the moments when you see something wrong or unjust. Maybe it’s a friend making an off-color joke, or witnessing someone being treated unfairly. Instead of staying silent or looking the other way, take a deep breath and speak up. It doesn't have to be confrontational—sometimes a simple, “Hey, that’s not cool,” can make a world of difference.

Here’s a story to illustrate this concept further. Picture a high school student named Alex. Alex is at lunch and notices a group of kids picking on a new student, Sam. Alex knows it’s wrong, but fears becoming a target if he intervenes. Most students might just keep their heads down and pretend they didn’t see it. But Alex remembers a time when he was new and someone stood up for him. Summoning his courage, Alex walks over, heart pounding, and says, “Leave him alone. He’s just trying to eat his lunch.” The bullies back off, surprised, and Sam looks at Alex with gratitude. Alex's action not only helps Sam but also sets an example for others. Courage can be contagious.

The key takeaway? When you see something wrong, doing nothing isn’t just a passive choice—it’s an active decision to let wrong prevail. It takes courage to stand up and do what’s right, but every time you do, you contribute to a better, more just world. So next time you’re faced with such a situation, think of Alex, take a deep breath, and choose the path of courage. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.