Madeline Krasno

Did you hear the news about a billionaire deciding to back a U.S. breeding facility for 30,000 monkeys? He's quoted saying, "America needs a reliable domestic supply of research primates."

My response on Forbes' Instagram post? "As a former primate lab worker, we absolutely do not. Use that money to fund human-relevant, animal-free methods.

What ensued? A lot of "likes." Also numerous personal attacks by animal rights activists.

I also received this private message and it quite literally made my day. This is the courage I want everyone to have.

The courage to admit when we might be wrong or not know everything.

The courage to realize our own role in harmful systems.

The courage to take steps to do better.

The courage that gives others permission to learn, reflect, and change.

I am not going to stop doing what I do regardless of where the pushback comes from. And I am especially not going to stop doing what I do because I want others to know that there is courage in owning up to what we've done that we aren't proud of.

Above all, there is courage in choosing compassion.