Good character is a common thread that unites all of us. This can be seen in the way that personal integrity, honesty, and respect for others are values shared by all cultures. We are taught from a young age that good character can take you to the top and it’s something that should never be compromised or sacrificed — and it is true in the sense that good character will open doors that may not have been opened before. Character is often what makes the difference between an average person and one with high moral standards, high integrity, and strong values.
1. What exactly makes up a “good character”?
There is no universal definition of good character, as it can be interpreted differently by different people. However, some of the most common traits that are associated with good character include honesty, integrity, responsibility, respectfulness, kindness, and compassion. Good character is based on doing the right thing even when no one is watching, and it is ingrained in our values and our sense of who we are as individuals.
2. How does establishing good character benefit an individual?
Good character benefits individuals in so many ways, some of which include:
- Enhancing self-worth
- Assisting with decision-making
- Promoting independence and self-reliance
- Giving people the confidence to stand by their convictions
- Helping people to become their best selves
- Creating an awareness of how our actions affect others
- Providing the motivation to act in ways that are beneficial for society as a whole
All of this can be found if one examines successful individuals that climbed their way to the top. For example, the CEO of SMRT Corporation in Singapore has established a strong foundation of good character that put him where he is right now. There are many other examples of these kinds of people that are currently billionaires, philanthropists, presidents, and public figures but they all have one thing in common: a strong foundation of good character.
3. How does establishing good character benefit society?
Establishing good character can have a tremendous impact on the community at large, with positive effects that include:
- Reducing crime rates
- Increasing opportunities for everyone
- Decreasing racial tensions and stereotypes
- Promoting a culture of tolerance and respect
- Providing a foundation for us to work together as a society, despite our differences
Good character ensures that everyone is treated fairly and there are clear rules that govern the way we behave with one another. The same principles that guide good character in individuals also apply to communities at large. In order to have a cohesive society, emotionally intelligent people are needed to set an example for others.
4. How did these people establish such strong integrity?
People with good character have similarly good upbringing and education that served as important foundations for their views on what it means to be successful and how one should conduct themselves. For many of these individuals, they were born into a family where good character and integrity are highly valued and passed down from one generation to the next. These values are then reinforced at school or through other forms of education that help build strong moral foundations in children.
5. Does intelligence, talent, creativity, and discipline play a role in having good character?
Yes — good character is a combination of these traits. While intelligence, talent, and creativity are often attributed to being an important factor in success, discipline plays a crucial role as well. It’s the ability to take action and maintain focus on what needs to be done that can help anyone achieve their goals. However, there is more to it than simply achieving one’s goals. Having good character requires an individual to do the right things for the right reasons, even if it means sacrificing short-term rewards.
6. What can we take away from this?
When it comes to success, having good character is often far more important than simply being smart or talented. Emotional intelligence can contribute to good character, but it’s the willingness to do the right thing that sets people with strong character apart from those without. While these individuals might not have had everything handed to them on a silver platter, they were able to set good examples and establish foundations that contributed to their success.
It is important for us to remember that we don’t have to be born into a certain family or social class in order for us to become successful. All we need is the right education and discipline, which can be found no matter where we come from. A strong foundation of good character is a key factor in our success and how we contribute towards a more cohesive society.
