In writing about the Circle of Courage, Martin Brokenleg and his co-authors brought together different professions, racial backgrounds, and upbringing (Brendtro, Brokenleg, & Van Bockern, 2002). While the Circle of Courage philosophy transcends culture, they initially used Native American images and stories to express these ideas. Because Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity are universal needs and values, they have found broad acceptance from those who care deeply about children and youth in many parts of the world. This brief article describes some of Brokenleg's early life experiences that connected him to the Circle of Courage and compares these experiences with those of an increasing proportion of young people today who have come to know the hollow emptiness of loneliness, the searing suffering of loss, and the icy silence of abandonment, whether physical or emotional. He explains that all children need loving, committed, and consistent adults around them if they are to bloom fully. Brokenleg points out that Response Ability Pathways (RAP) training applies the Circle of Courage principles to the lives of children (Brendtro & du Toit, 2005). It puts these principles into practice and reveals the strength of the spirit that is the birthright of every child.