Conflicted Heroes

These messages focus on individuals who made important contributions to our society, but also had personal flaws.

    • Gouverneur Morris

      They are words that every schoolchild learns. They inspire us. They also frame our values as a nation. We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote...

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    • Henry Goddard

      Henry Goddard was born in Maine in 1866. His father died when he was 9 years old, and Henry was sent to live with an older sister. Two years later, Henry began studies at a boarding school. He would eventually graduate from Haverford College. A trip to California to...

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    • A Man of Good and Bad Contributions to Society

      Joel Roberts was born in 1779 in South Carolina to a prominent family. His family could support his education at some of the finest schools in America and Europe. Joel wanted a career in the military, but his father wanted him to study law and join the aristocratic...

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    • A Chinese Mother of 1500

      Margaret Chung was born in California in 1889. Her parents came to America from China when they were young. Margaret grew up in a devout Christian family and had hopes of going to China as a medical missionary. When her parents became ill, she helped raise her 10...

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    • White Washing

      He was born in England in 1853. His family was well-to-do, and he believed in the English as the model for how to live one’s life. His health as a child was very fragile and he was thought to have TB. As a teen, he was sent to South Africa thinking the climate would...

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    • Richard Stallman

      Richard Stallman was born in New York City in 1953. His childhood was different because of his relationship with his parents. He became involved in computers at an early age and was involved with IBM when he was in high school. He graduated from Harvard with a degree...

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    • How We Think of Life’s Failures

      Oliver Otis Howard was born in Maine in 1830. He graduated from Bowdoin College when he was 19 and then graduated from West Point in 1854. As a junior officer far away from his wife and baby son, he found a faith that helped him through a challenging career in the...

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    • The First to Die for American Independence

      Crispus Attucks was born in Massachusetts around 1723. His heritage is under dispute, but most historians believe he was a combination of African and Native American ethnicity. There is also some dispute as to whether he was a free man or a runaway slave. Crispus...

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    • Youth Leader for Civil Rights

      James Bevel was born in 1936 in Missouri. He was one of 17 children. After graduating from a segregated school, he joined the Navy. He was inspired to enter the ministry. In addition to his pursuit of the ministry, James also was influenced by the teachings of...

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    • The Rise of Fascism

      Dorothy Thompson was born in 1893. After her mother died when she was seven, she was sent to live with her two aunts. She was able to go to college, a rarity at the time, and this gave her a sense of obligation to other women. She became a devoted suffragist. Dorothy...

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