“The formation of a person’s character lies in their own hands”- Anne Frank
Every person has a character, be it Hitler or Mother Teresa. Parents want their kids to have character.
Employers seek that in their employees and the latter want it in their boss. It is an important ingredient a person should have at home, school, office, or in public.
In the media-saturated world, the word character might bring to mind an actor’s portrayal of a character in a movie.
It can be a good character or bad and caught our attention visually. But do we ever try to understand and imbibe the good parts into our character?
If we go back in history, a person was valued for his character. Some character virtues were highly-sought after.
Be it rich or poor, famous or not, one’s character made the man. It was valued so for a character hardly ever changes and is a definite picture of the person’s inner self.
Character is defined as “Moral excellence and firmness” in Websters dictionary. It holds all the features and traits that make up an individual’s nature.
A person’s character is what sets them apart from others. It makes an individual unique and gives them intrinsic value.
This does not mean that a person with “good character” is perfect. It is just that the person’s good character is observed and admired.
It means that the person can be trusted and is worthy of admiration. One finds a form of feeling safe when interacting with a person of good character.
When we identify someone as of good character, we admit that the person’s nature is made of good traits like honesty, compassion, integrity, and courage.
People of good character are driven by ethical principles which they shall not compromise even when faced by dangers that can be physical, or detrimental to their careers, economic well-being, or social standing. No matter the cost to them, they’ll do the right thing.
A person is born with a character and it seldom changes. It is something that lasts with the person throughout his lifetime. It also becomes his identity. An honest person is born honest and it won’t change no matter the situation.
A person simply does not go and steal someone’s smartphone just because he cannot afford to buy it. Such an act isn’t in their blood.
All places and people respect a person with good character. Most leaders inherently have a good character. They have worthy traits like honesty, leadership, trust, courage, and patience.
It is their very character that builds their magnetic personality. So without a good character, one cannot build a good personality.
It is not necessary that a good character must have all the traits. However, the person likely has a trait that he strongly reflects.
They become the very embodiment of that trait. So when someone says Mahatma Gandhi you already know we are talking about non-violence.
Meanwhile, Hitler will instantly remind you of too much violence or it could remind you of Charlie Chaplin.
So one must know their character. It is not vital that everyone becomes a leader. A leader is someone who already has leadership qualities.
You are born with it and it cannot be acquired. Sachin Tendulkar was an excellent cricketer but wasn’t exactly a successful captain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a good character grows into a good personality. They are interdependent.
A person can be fantastically attractive, but without manners, he’ll get no one’s attention. Your morals and character create the real you. Life without ethics and values is worthless.
