Trust the instinct to the end, though you can render no reason.

Just when you think the world is on its way to hell in a handbasket, one individual redeems (and inspires) us all a little.

East Timor’s President Jose Ramos-Horta has pardoned the men who attacked him a year ago.  Dr. Ramos-Horta suffered from three serious bullet wounds and was put into intensive care in Australia last February after a group of rebels assaulted his home.  He has fully recovered, and now he is pardoning his attackers.  He says they are victims of the unrest and chaos in the country.  According to the Timor News Line, Dr. Ramos-Horta has issued a call to the rebels, asking them to work with him for the peace of their country.

I don’t know enough about East Timor’s recent history, about Dr. Ramos-Horta, even about the rebels themselves to make a judgment on the president’s actions.  But I believe that he feels his decision will encourage his people and engender a spirit of understanding.  He’s taking a lot of flak for his actions – especially from inside his own government – but I applaud him.  No one knows what will come of the rebels being pardoned – Dr. Ramos-Horta is taking a chance.

Seth Godin, marketing guru, is all for taking chances.  And his risk principles came to mind when I read about Dr. Ramos-Horta.  Godin points out that, statistically, an initial risk is easy and has sure (if somewhat small) rewards.  However, going that second step and doubling risk also doubles reward.  Encouraging clients who have taken a risk on your company or product will inspire them to feel a little gutsier.  And don’t we all love to talk about how gutsy we are?  By being risky yourself, you have generated talk about your company or products.  And talk, Godin says, is one of the best ways to become remarkable.  Check out Godin’s blog on this principle: Risk/Reward Confusion.

Here’s to Dr. Ramos-Horta – may his risk bring double rewards for East Timor!