Why develop “character”? « hOpE sPrInGs EtErnal

Character draws admiration to us like a magnet. It’s because there’s not enough of it in the world and those who have it look like brilliant balls of light. Much like why there is death - it makes life more precious. A beneficial but scarce commodity is always prized. Something of value, like personal character, is well sought out, snapped up quickly. Imagine everyone thinking of themselves as having value to the whole of society. One teacher of character can turn out 30 people of character into society. One high school of character can turn loose as many as 1,000 almost-adults into a community. One family of character can turn loose into the world a Toby Tanser, Jason McElwain, Talia Leman, Craig Kielburger, John-Henry Lambin, Suzie Tipton, Melissa Poe and Sabriye Tenberken.

A person of character is:

A good person, someone to look up to and admire.
Knows the difference between right and wrong, and always tries to do what is right.
Sets a good example for everyone.
Makes the world a better place.
Lives according to the Six Pillars of Character*:

-Trustworthiness
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Fairness
- Caring
- Citizenship

*Six Pillars of Character

Bloggomio

A place for me to appeal to others to claim the power of personal responsibility & principles to change ourselves for the better. If we do this, we can assure a friendlier, more prosperous, and free form of living to our children and our children's children. We alone can bring about peace, freedom, and prosperity to our world. We don't need a band of robber barons to help us lead our lives. We can help each other restore our country to its former respected place in the eyes of the world according to what's fair and just. Let us pass on the need for civility and respect for all living things by word of mouth.

Things That Matter

"This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown.. re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency." --Walt Whitman

10 Rules 4 Being Civil

1. Pay attention to what's going on. (e.g. Steve Jobs)
2. Practice compassion. (e.g. Dalai Lama)
3. Act. (Angelina Jolie)
4. Hold individuals accountable for what they do. (e.g. Beverly McLachlin)
5. Be clear in stating your case. (e.g. Martin Luther King)
6. Listen. (e.g. Oprah Winfrey)
7. Be prepared to change. (e.g. Barack Obama)
8. Avoid violence, physical and emotional. (e.g. Gandhi)
9. Remain genuine. (e.g. Keith Richards)
10. Treat others with the respect with which you'd like to be treated. (e.g. Jesus)
--Douglas Todd, Vancouver Sun

hOpE sPrInGs EtErnal