Real-life resilience - Henry Dunant

It could almost be considered a selfish act to do something nice for someone else. The reason is that it ends up making us feel better as well. Of course, feeling good isn’t the reason we do kind things, but if a kind gesture can benefit multiple people, including ourselves, why wouldn’t we do it more often?

However, what if that kind gesture costs us? What if it costs us a lot? Would we still do it?

Today is the story of a man named Henry Dunant. Dunant is likely a name unfamiliar to most, but his work touches millions of lives to this day.

In 1859, Dunant was a young Swiss businessman, on his way through Italy to seek an audience with Napoleon III. That is when Dunant witnessed the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino. It was a horrific scene with tens of thousands of wounded and dying soldiers, abandoned with no medical help.

At that time in history, it wasn’t uncommon for passers-by to simply turn a blind eye and keep on walking.

However, Dunant didn't ignore what was in front of him. Instead he rallied villagers, organized aid, and began caring for the wounded, regardless of what side they had been on. The whole experience shook him to the point that he wrote and self-published the book, A Memory of Solferino. This was where he proposed the idea of volunteer humanitarian groups and international agreements to protect the wounded in war.

That book led directly to the creation of the Red Cross and the first Geneva Convention.

However, his vision came at a steep cost.

Dunant didn’t profit from his work. In fact, his activism led him to neglect his personal business, which ultimately led to bankruptcy and disgrace. He lost his wealth, his reputation, and his standing in society.

He faded into the shadows. Forgotten by the world.

But he kept going. Quietly. Patiently. Persistently.

And then, in 1901 (over 40 years after Solferino) Dunant was awarded the very first Nobel Peace Prize. His legacy lives on today as the Red Cross continues to support missions in over 100 countries around the world, supporting millions of people globally.

“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one." - Marcus Aurelius

Dunant is an example of resilience of a different kind. It’s not the kind that bounces back quickly or always seeks the silver lining.

This is the kind of resilience that keeps showing up. It’s doing the right thing, even when the path is unclear, the crowd has moved on, the reward is nowhere in sight.

Even if it costs us.

It’s resilience that is built on purpose-fueled perseverance.

There are also some brilliant benefits when we do the right thing.

Biological boost. Kindness gives us a chemical boost. Helping others releases oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, all hormones that calm the nervous system and create a natural high. We can look for small, doable acts of kindness each day such as a thoughtful text or voice note, paying for someone’s coffee, or even just letting someone in in traffic. Tiny gestures count by helping us focus on what is good, rather than spending energy on what is scaring us or making us angry.

Identity reinforcement. Kindness reinforces our identity because doing the right thing builds self-trust. Even if no one else knows, we know. And that helps reaffirm who we are and what we stand for. We can practice by jotting down a moment where we acted with integrity or generosity, even in a small way. This builds an inner track record that strengthens our sense of self over time and helps us remember the strength we have when we need it. The doing becomes the reward. This is handy in team environments - when we pick up responsibilities that aren’t necessarily theirs, because they know it will help the greater need.

Emotional healing through action. Kindness helps us transcend our own pain. When we’re discouraged, helping someone else gives us a sense of agency. It shifts the focus away from what’s not working and reminds us of our capacity to create impact. We can do this by simply asking Who might need support right now? Then do one small thing to act on that thought. We can send a check-in text, leave a kind comment, offer to help. Action creates energy and helps us focus on whatever is within our control.

I always say that resilience is a skill we can develop. We do this so that when the hard seasons come, we’re not relying on adrenaline. We’re rooted in something deeper.

Sometimes we’re like Magic Johnson, preparing with foresight and building networks before the change comes.

Other times, we’re like Henry Dunant, drawn to something greater than ourselves. We find a calling, or a need to do what is right, even when no one’s clapping, and even when it might cost us.

Both are valid. Both are powerful. Both are deeply human.

If we're in a season right now where it feels like our work is unseen or efforts are slow to pay off, let this be a reminder that kindness is never wasted. Resilience is never wasted.

We may not see the fruit yet, but the seeds are being planted.

Until next time friends, stay resilient.

Carre @ Resilient Minds

PS - don’t forget to check out the Resilience Scorecard to measure your own resilience at work in just 3 minutes.