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KIDS OF CHARACTER 4/13/2009
Our Behavior Shapes Our Character Joseph Sugarman identifies a penetrating truth about how youngsters become kids of character and, ultimately, ethical adults. He writes: "Each time you are honest and conduct yourself with honesty, a success force will drive you toward greater success. Each time you lie, even with a little white lie, there are strong forces pushing you toward failure." Sugarman captures the #1 ethical axiom: Our behavior shapes our character. I heard noted ethicist and syndicated radio talk show host, Dennis Prager, talk about this theme with his listeners. Mr. Prager said that little acts of daily life define the direction of our character development and the depth of our personal commitment to live a life that demonstrates positive character qualities. The central theme of the character call rests on a person's actions. How we behave is the true test of character growth. Yes, there are pervasive, numbing, negative forces at work everyday in the U.S. One need only look at the daily newspaper to see our political, business and social discourse littered with the behavior of men and women who behave with deceit, dishonesty and disrespect. Some behavior is criminal; however, the great majority of it is the inept behavior of individuals whose collective moral and ethical lapses undercut the perennial values that shape enlightened societies. Into this maelstrom come the character mentors. These are Americans who understand what is required to swim in murky societal waters. These individuals, and there are millions of them in America, understand the words, "There is no right way to do something wrong." How we act clearly does determine if our life discovers its noble character. Kids of Character can learn from parents, grandparents and teachers and coaches, our nation's character crusaders, what it means to show up with behaviors that reinforce core character qualities such as honesty, trustworthiness, fairness, courage, and doing what is right.
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