Leadership: Motivation and Determination
"Food is the moral right of all who are born into this world." -Norman Borlaug
“You’re wiser to fill your head now if you want to fill your belly later on.”
-Nels Olsen Borlaug (Norman Borlaug's grandfather)
At a very early age Norman Borlaug was taught to work hard in order to achieve great things. His childhood on the farm and as a wrestler taught him perseverance which later led to his great accomplishments . Norman Borlaug developed leadership as humanitarian as well because he took initiative to end suffering of the hungry. He was concerned not only with the scientific aspect of the Green Revolution, but also with the well-being of people. Norman Borlaug put himself in the situation of others who suffered
"He was a wrestler and he often credited his work ethic from the things he learned from working on the farm as well as his wrestling coach in high school... (he) taught him how to work hard and never give up and brush the dirt off your pants."- Bill Reed (nephew of Norman Borlaug)
Norman Borlaug's nephew, Bill Reed discusses how Norman Borlaug's motivation as a leader lead to his accomplishments.
"He has never been one to shy away from physical danger or discomfort.. For most of his adult life Borlaug has rarely indulged in the comforts of the industrialized West for any extended period of time. His choice has been to immerse himself in locales where people stare death in the face every day." -Mark Stuertz (2002)
"I saw how food changed them ... All of this left scars on me."-Norman Borlaug
Norman Borlaug developed leadership as humanitarian as well because he took initiative to end suffering of the hungry. He was concerned not only with the scientific aspect of the Green Revolution, but also with the well-being of people. Norman Borlaug put himself in the situation of others who suffered.
"I was privileged to know Norman as a friend and mentor, and whenever I met or spoke with him, I couldn’t help thinking that he possessed the kind of idealism and courage epitomized by Jimmy Stewart in the title role of “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” and Gary Cooper in “High Noon.”- Henry Miller