The Nature of Character 629.3
Abraham Lincoln was very concerned with character, but he also was aware of the importance of having a good reputation. He explained the difference this way: “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” Put another way, your reputation is what people think of you, and your character is what you actually are.
In a world preoccupied with image, it’s easy to worry too much about our reputation and too little about our character. Building a reputation is largely a public relations project; building character requires us to focus on our values and actions. Noble rhetoric and good intentions aren’t enough.
What we’re looking for is moral strength based on ethical principles. Character is revealed by actions, not words — especially when there’s a gap between what we want to do and what we should do, and when doing the right thing costs more than we want to pay.
Our character is revealed by how we deal with pressures and temptations. But it’s also disclosed by everyday actions, including what we say and do when we think no one is looking and we assume we won’t get caught. The way we treat people we think can’t help or hurt us, like housekeepers, waiters, and secretaries, tells more about our character than how we treat people we think are important. People who are honest, kind, and fair only when there is something to gain shouldn’t be confused with people of real character who demonstrate these qualities habitually, under all circumstances.
Character is not a fancy coat we put on for show; it’s who we really are.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
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Comments
Thank you for reminding me of the importance of not only looking good, but actually being good. God knows our imperfection well!
I also will send the copy of "what if" to a fellow teacher who has gone through much as I have with the public educational system and who has been told she did poorly and was forced to quit as I am being pressured to do.
Posted by: Joanne E. Oden, School Nurse | July 30, 2009 8:07 PM
I think character is something that I see lacking in a lot of co-teachers today. It hurts me when teachers only speak to the kid who is clean and well kept. Or is in a rush to be on time for a meeting but refuses to give a child a minute after class is dismissed. It hurts me inside to see a cafeteria worker take a lunch from a child in line because his parents have not paid their debt.
Always remember that children may not remember what you teach them but they will remember how you treat them. So as we start a new year in August, remember that you might be the only positive role model in that child's life. Often we are the only ones who say good morning in a student's life. So please say a kind word to every child you see in the morning whether he speaks back or not. Make someone smile and know they matter.
I have been talked about and frowned on for being late for many meetings due to a child needing me to write a note at the last minute, listen to a problem, etc. It may have made me 5 minutes late to a minute. As I walked in, I could sense the smirks or someone would tell me what the comments were, but I let it roll off my back. If we run to meetings and never give a kid a private moment for an emergency, are we there for the students or there to impress others with our ability to be on time and wait on others in administration to drop in? When we have self-motivating objectives and it's not the kids, our poor character shows.
As you start this school year, remember we are in this profession to provide a service to the students.
Have a wonderful school year and let your love for children and others shine.
Posted by: Lisa | July 31, 2009 11:06 PM
Approximately a year ago my life took a big change. I am one of many who, because of economic changes, has been forced to embark on a new career. I have been working hard at not letting my situation get me down. I know I'll be OK.
Although, after reading the above piece on character, I realized that in trying to teach my 14-year-old son to do the right thing, I have short-changed him. I need to set a better example in order that my message to my son is truly embraced.
Thank you for being such a good example to so many of us.
Posted by: GuadalupeHeredia | August 2, 2009 8:34 AM