Transformation Roots of Moral Courage

In the midst of the Holocaust, courageous non-Jews saved Jewish strangers, neighbors and friends from death. Yet, it was only decades after the Holocaust that research begin into what led ordinary people to risk their lives to save others. Over the past 30 years, researchers have identified key orientations (extensive relationships and a sense of responsibility for others) and personality traits (empathy, high moral judgment and risk-taking) that distinguish the rescuers from non-rescuers. The findings are significant for two reasons: First, it is internal traits, rather than external circumstances, that led people to rescue Jews. Second, the findings point to a childhood development path that is conducive to fostering these traits. This research leads to a significant conclusion: Moral courage can be taught.