Guts, Grace and Glory (page 5 of 5)

Core Values

RD: Is this generation ready for the challenges ahead?
Giuliani: I remember reading Tom Brokaw's book about the World War II generation [The Greatest Generation] and thinking, I'm pretty sure we would have the same strength. But, you don't know -- just as you don't know what you might do. But on September 11, I knew we were strong enough. This generation is no different than the one that fought the Second World War because the same set of beliefs -- the same core values -- motivates us. That's why we'll prevail, as we always have.

RD: You attended Catholic schools and even thought about becoming a priest. Who was your favorite saint?
Giuliani: St. Francis because of his kindness and humanity. I often think of Father [Mychal] Judge [the Fire Department chaplain who died at Ground Zero]. Sometimes I would see him in his Franciscan robes and sandals, and sometimes in his fireman's uniform. To me, he embodied the ideal blend of spirituality and public service. Growing up, I learned about leadership by reading the biographies of political leaders, like Churchill, and saints, like St. Francis. I have prayed to St. Francis from kindergarten on.

RD: Did you pray on September 11?
Giuliani: I pray at night when I go to bed -- not every night, though maybe I should [laughing]. But during September 11 and after, I found myself praying in the middle of the day, asking God to help me do the right thing. I became intensely religious trying to figure things out. Why did one man live and another die? The building we were in could have been crushed by the first tower. When you contemplate those questions -- the mysteries of life -- it humbles you. It drives you to your knees.

RD: You have said that God spared you for a purpose.
Giuliani: God has a plan, even when you don't understand it fully. But you do have a sense of it, and you have a choice. You can conduct yourself in accordance with it, or not. You can either do good, or bad. I am trying to devote my life to as many good purposes as possible.

RD: How will you do good?
Giuliani: I believe you do good in concentric circles, beginning with the people you support and who support you. I have a very big family [laughing], including all the people who served with me in government and now work with me in our consulting business. I also am spending more time with my children. And September 11 has made me much closer to Judith [his companion, Judith Nathan]. We were close already. And then we went through hell together. In addition, I feel a special responsibility to protect the families of the fallen firemen and policemen through the Twin Towers Fund.

RD: Will you run for office again?
Giuliani: When I was younger I set my sights on specific jobs, like U.S. Attorney, mayor. But my prostate cancer and September 11 has changed me. I'm going to let that decision come into focus in the next year or two. The possibilities are far more exciting that way. I do see myself in public office. I just don't know where or when.

From Reader's Digest - July 2002

 

• • Politicians
• • Sept. 11

• Rudy Giuliani: The Leader
• New York City's mayor Rudy Giuliani: "Courage is about managing fear."
• 
• Giuliani Gives Away a Deceased Firefighter's Daughter
• Five days after 9/11, Mayor Rudy Giuliani escorts the sister of a fallen firefighter down the aisle.
• 
• FDR and Churchill
• Bush and Blair inherited an awesome legacy -- a friendship that saved the world.
• 
• George Bush On the Record
• President Bush discusses his plans for his second term.
• 
• George Bush: Standing His Ground
• President Bush is unyielding in his vision for America. To voters, that's either high praise or a huge problem.
• 
• John Kerry: Back Into Battle
• War hero and war protester, John Kerry has to prove he's the right man for the nation's toughest job.
• 
• John Kerry On the Record
• Kerry discusses his concerns for the country.
• 
• World Trade Center Survivor
• Badly burned in the World Trade Center, Lauren Manning had the will to live.
• 
• Nicolas Cage, Star ofWorld Trade Center
• Nicolas Cage takes on his roles with the same intensity he brings to his own life.
• 

• Be Inspired
• 10 Celebrities Who Give Back
• 7 Amazing Stories, $700,000 to Charity
• Virginia Cervasio: Making It Matter
• PLUS:
• Quiz: What's Your Celebrity Cause IQ?