David Robinson chose to stay at Navy. He talked about commitment

In the words of Mario Cuomo, "David Robinson chose to stay at Navy. He talked about commitment, loyalty and values. I wonder how many of us would choose these virtues rather than the chance of becoming a millionaire, especially if you were a college sophomore when you had to make that choice," we hear a profound reflection on the nature of integrity, sacrifice, and the difficult choices that define a person’s life. Cuomo draws attention to a moment in time when David Robinson, a young man with the potential to become a millionaire through a career in the NBA, chose instead to uphold his values and commit to his education and military service. It is a moment that speaks not just to Robinson’s character, but to the universal tension between the pursuit of wealth and the commitment to a higher calling.

The question Cuomo asks is not just about Robinson’s decision; it is about the deeper, universal struggle that we all face when we are confronted with choices between immediate gratification and long-term values. The choice to pursue wealth, fame, or power is one that comes with an overwhelming allure. It is an age-old temptation, seen in the stories of mythic figures like King Midas, whose greed for gold turned everything he touched into the precious metal, only to find himself bereft of true joy and connection. Robinson’s choice to stay at the Naval Academy was a conscious rejection of the seductive promise of instant riches in favor of principles that would serve him—and others—in the long run.

Just as Hercules chose to endure the Twelve Labors in order to redeem himself, so did Robinson choose to honor his commitment to the Navy and to a path that was not driven by material gain. This decision, though less glamorous than the spotlight of the NBA, reflected a higher purpose—a commitment to discipline, loyalty, and duty. These values were more important to Robinson than the allure of fortune, much as the great heroes of antiquity valued honor and virtue over personal glory. By choosing the Navy, Robinson was not simply rejecting wealth, but embracing a deeper form of greatness, one that would require sacrifice and personal growth rather than fame or wealth.

The act of choosing commitment and loyalty over fame can also be seen in the example of Socrates, the ancient philosopher who chose to stand by his beliefs and the laws of Athens rather than flee from an unjust sentence. Socrates’ commitment to his values ultimately led to his death, but it was also what defined him as a moral and philosophical hero. Similarly, Robinson’s decision reflected a moral courage, a willingness to sacrifice personal advancement for the greater good—a willingness to embody the values that define not only an athlete, but a true leader.

In considering Robinson’s choice, we are forced to ask ourselves what we value most in life: success, or character? The temptation to pursue wealth and success is universal, yet so few are willing to sacrifice the comforts of immediate reward for the long-term satisfaction that comes from staying true to one’s principles. Alexander the Great, who conquered much of the known world, was faced with similar choices, often sacrificing immediate pleasures and comforts in pursuit of glory and legacy. Yet even Alexander, in his later years, came to reflect on the true meaning of his conquests, recognizing that values, not just victories, defined his place in history.

The lesson from Robinson’s choice—and from the reflections of Mario Cuomo—is profound. We are all faced with moments where we must choose between the quick rewards of material success and the long-term satisfaction of living a life of integrity and commitment. In a world where wealth and fame are often seen as the highest goals, Robinson’s decision to honor his commitment to the Navy teaches us that success does not lie in material possessions but in the values we hold dear and the integrity with which we live our lives. His choice reminds us that the journey of character, though more difficult and less celebrated, is the one that ultimately defines our legacy.

In our own lives, we must ask ourselves: when faced with choices, will we follow the example of David Robinson, choosing commitment, loyalty, and values over immediate gains, or will we be tempted by the promise of wealth and fame? Like Robinson, we are all capable of making decisions that honor our higher selves. Whether in our personal lives, careers, or relationships, we must strive to make decisions rooted in principle, understanding that it is through self-sacrifice and loyalty to our values that we become the best version of ourselves. Just as Robinson’s choice shaped his career and legacy, so too can our choices define the course of our lives. True greatness, like the heroes of the ancient world, comes not from what we gain, but from what we are willing to give up in service to something greater than ourselves.