Beautiful Souls by Eyal Press, Chapter 4: The Price of Raising One’s Voice

Chapter 4 of Eyal Press’ Beautiful Souls turns our attention to the courageous proclamation of the truth; the dissenting voices of truth that break through the silence of the group. Press’ main character in this final chapter is Leyla Wydler, a tough and determined woman who has enjoyed a successful career as a financial adviser until she runs up against the challenges of the Stanford Group Company in Houston, TX. The chapter begins with an anonymous letter sent to various government financial authorities as well as a few media organizations, all in an effort to attract attention to suspected illegal activities at a well respected global financial firm. We quickly learn the suspicious mind behind the letter is Wydler and we also learn of the great courage and tenacity it took her to come to this point in her life…and the consequences her courage would bring upon her and her family. Proclaiming the truth in the midst of a group (or an entire society) that sees no wrong, perceives no harm, or believes no lies have been told is a difficult and often disorienting adventure. Press takes his readers on this adventure and allows us to see through the eyes of those who have proclaimed the truth and challenges us to hear and act.

Leyla Wydler’s success as a financial adviser is rooted in her great concern for her clients. As she closely investigated the many financial opportunities available for her clients’ financial investments, the in-house CD’s offered by her employer did not pass her inquisitive tests. Upon taking a closer look, her concerns only grew rather than being resolved. After two years of employment she was dismissed and subsequently targeted with additional lawsuits by her previous employer. As the difficult days dragged on, Press presents his readers with information about Wydler’s struggles and paints a picture that shows a woman who is incredibly self-reliant and independently successful…but also riddled with many episodes of fear and self-questioning. Proclaiming the truth in the midst of those who sit quietly has been given a term: whistleblower. The term “whistleblower” is full of mixed emotions: hero and traitor, courageous truth teller and crazy conspiracy advocate, just to name a few. Press discusses why these paradoxical thoughts enter into the minds of so many people: society admires those who seek justice and have the courage to raise the truth, but society also admires the characteristics of loyalty, sacrifice and deference to God, country and others…these two sides of society’s admiration compete for our understanding of how we view those who speak out in difficult times. (p. 152)

Press continues to outline the life and challenges of those who speak out against injustice and those who would do wrong to others to gain advantage. His examples give the reader much to think about, including a fascinating insight about the difficulties of these “office working” warriors. Press poses the question: I “wonder whether, in some ways, it was harder – more socially isolating, more psychologically disorienting – to feel that someone was out to obliterate you in a prosperous, peaceful city like Houston than in, say, war-blasted Vukovar.” (p. 165) Press’ thought is based on the fear and intimidation experienced by others who do not appreciate the changes that result from the release of the truth, the change of life that occurs when the previously hidden facts are exposed to the light of day. People’s lives are changed…and not always in good ways. The guilty may go to jail, and those in-the-know who remained quiet (and maybe benefited in some way) face the potential shame of not raising their voice in support of the truth. Those who proclaim the truth invariably gain strength from others in these difficult times. Press continues by stating, “breaking ranks is significantly easier when a person can draw on some form of ‘mutual support,’ when there is another person who sees things the way you do.” Once again, we find that community is at the center of all that we do and all that is life giving.

Questions for reflection:

• After reading the Passion of Christ, reflect on Peter’s challenge of speaking the truth to those who challenge him on his association with Jesus. What are the difficulties Peter might face if he speaks the truth? Knowing that group support makes speaking the truth easier, what might have aided Peter during his time of need?
• Consider a challenging time in your own life. Reflect on how you might have responded to this challenge if you were alone; and how you might have responded with the support of others’ love and trust?