Tehachapi News

Opinion: Character is ethics in action

October 21-27 is recognized as National Character Counts Week. I first became aware of this program, developed in 1987 by the Josephson Institute of Ethics, about four years ago when it was shared with great excitement and enthusiasm by our local high school administration. 

What is the foundation of Character Counts? Namely this:
 
Six Pillars of Character
• Trustworthiness
• Fairness
• Responsibility
• Respect
• Citizenship
• Caring

Pillars of character...pretty admirable qualities. My first thought was, what a vital and worthy audience to target with such a significant message.

Josephson states, “We are not born with good character; it's not hereditary. But, we all have the opportunity and potential to learn and develop those qualities to become a person of exemplary character. 'Building character' refers to the process of instilling within a person, positive, ethical traits based on principles that can be expressed many ways. It is the sum of one's distinctive traits, qualities and preferences, and amounts to one's moral constitution. In essence, character is ethics in action.”

The evident truth, however, is that the need goes well beyond instructing and training the young people of our society. 

As very poignantly stated in a press release by the Josephson Institute preceding the 14th annual celebration, “Every time you pick up a publication or turn on a TV or radio, you learn about people doing things that prove there's a gaping hole in the moral ozone.

Keep in mind, character is not the same thing as reputation. Character is what you are. Reputation is what people say you are. 

The good news is, that many individuals do believe that character counts and they live their life and exemplify those distinct qualities in a manner that proves it!  

Whether a parent, business professional, community member or governing official, we are all individuals of character and influence. How we develop and use that ability is a matter of choice. So, here's our challenge. Ask yourself today:

“What is my sphere of influence?” 

“Am I pursuing the continued development and strengthening of those qualities of character in my own life?”

“What can I do to nurture and encourage those qualities in those around me?

What is learned and how we conduct ourselves today, ultimately can and will yield results which will not only impact our own life, but those within their sphere of influence, every day, hereafter. That is powerful! Character does count, everywhere, all the time. Reputation is precious, but character is priceless!