But deep down private and public courage are deeply connected. If we speak up against racial prejudice in our local pub then it becomes easier for politicians to speak out at a national level. Conversely if politicians take risks for principle in their public lives it makes it easier for us to be brave in our private lives. A society which prizes courage, in public and private, makes us feel safer and more secure. And as we all know too well, the absence of courage opens the door to corruption.
Corruption is a constant in human history.
But the courage to confront is needed at all levels, and not just at the top. The recent scandals could have been stopped if people had the courage to do their duty -if tax inspectors, bank managers and public servants had stood their ground and blown the whistle. And of course you too must cultivate courage in your work as scientists. Let me explain why. For you to feel fulfilled, in your professional life as an engineer or a food scientist, you need to live in a society which publicly salutes science and engineering as good and honourable work which contributes to the common good.