All one needs to do is read - books, magazines, research the

Hear the voice of Zig Ziglar, who after long years of observing the spirit of mankind declared: “All one needs to do is read—books, magazines, research the Internet—and pay attention to the influencers in their lives to discover the myriad people of strong moral character who have and still are making positive, meaningful contributions and differences in our world.” These words are not idle, but a guiding flame. They remind us that examples of moral character are not hidden away in the shadows of history—they live among us, in every age, waiting to be discovered by the seeking heart.

For the path to wisdom begins with reading. Books, magazines, and now the vast Internet, are reservoirs of stories that testify to courage, honor, compassion, and perseverance. In their pages we encounter those who endured hardship, yet chose to rise above bitterness; those who could have lived only for themselves, yet offered their lives for the good of many. Ziglar teaches us that by seeking out these voices, we can drink from wells of strength that will refresh our own souls in times of trial.

Consider the story of Harriet Tubman, once enslaved, yet never broken. She escaped the chains of bondage and then returned, again and again, risking her life to lead others to freedom. Today her story can be found in countless books and on every corner of the digital world. She stands as an eternal witness that one soul, fortified by moral character, can strike great blows against injustice. To read her story is to learn courage; to share her story is to pass on fire to another generation.

So too think of Nelson Mandela, imprisoned for twenty-seven years, yet emerging not with vengeance but with forgiveness. His life, preserved in pages and now echoed across screens, reveals the triumph of dignity over bitterness. He transformed a nation by embodying positive, meaningful contributions, proving Ziglar’s truth: that in every era, there are lights among us, and all we must do is open our eyes and hearts to see them.

The meaning of Ziglar’s words is clear: examples of greatness surround us. We need not search the heavens for saints nor wait for legends to rise. By observing the influencers in our lives—our teachers, our parents, our mentors, our neighbors—we can see countless acts of compassion and resilience. Greatness is not only on the stage of history, but also in the quiet courage of ordinary people who choose to do right.

The lesson is this: never say, “There are no heroes left.” Heroes abound, but it is the duty of the wise to recognize them. Read widely, listen deeply, and take note of those around you who live with integrity. By filling the mind with such examples, the heart learns to imitate them, and the soul is inspired to join in making a difference in the world.

Practical wisdom calls us to action. Set aside time each day to read or listen to the stories of those who lived with purpose. Seek out not only the well-known, but also the quiet voices of those near you. Write down what you learn, and reflect on how you may apply it in your own life. And above all, strive to be such a person yourself—one whose life may one day be the story that inspires another seeker.

So let it be remembered: the world is filled with men and women of strong moral character, past and present. Their examples are gifts, waiting for those who choose to learn. Zig Ziglar’s words are both invitation and command: open the book, search the stories, heed the mentors, and then, by your own deeds, become another voice in that great chorus of light that guides humanity forward.