Although not every cause is worth fighting for, notable men like; Huckleberry Finn, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Atticus Finch, and Ralph from Lord of the Flies recognize that when something is worth fighting for, one must sacrifice for that thing greater than themselves. Therefore, men who demonstrate empathy, selflessness, honor and integrity can be leaders for a cause in which they believe. In the mid-1800s, slavery was still widespread in the South. Huck, a teenager the same age as our eighth grade class, risks his life to help Jim, a runaway slave, escape to the North. By doing this, Huck is showing selflessness, as he is willing to get caught and punished for a cause greater than himself. “I don’t want any reward, but to know that I did the right thing.” (Huck Finn, P. 272) Even though Huck is a teenager, he is willing to help a runaway slave he barely knows because Huck can see this injustice in his rural community and in the country at large. Mark Twain, the author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, once said, "Just because you are taught something is good and everyone believes it doesn't mean it's good." GOOD. » People were given a mind and the ability to form their own thoughts and opinions. In the mid-1800s, it didn't seem like many people thought twice about the decision to own slaves, given the prevalence of slavery in the South. Even if slavery was a way of life, people should have asked themselves how unfair it was to enslave a race and force them to work without pay. How is it that a 15 year old was one of the only townspeople to oppose this unfair treatment of black people? In my opinion, it's because Huck had empathy. Huck recognized middle of paper... when he said, "We must have rules and follow them." We were not savages. Were English and the English are the best at everything. (Lord of the Flies p.42). Throughout the story, Ralph is the only boy on the island who maintains his integrity and loyalty and when the boys are finally rescued, he is at peace with the way he has conducted himself. Modern literature contains many examples of characters who develop empathy, as well as altruism. honor and integrity. Even if they don't begin to become leaders through difficult trials and adversities, they identify causes to believe in, which helps them become the leaders they are remembered for today. It reminds each of us that adversity and difficult situations help shape our moral character and can make us leaders. Works Cited Lord of the Flies The Killer Angels The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn To Kill a Mockingbird