When evaluating people, they say good character trumps all. Coach John Wooden always preached that character was more important than reputation because “character is what you really are, while reputation is merely what others think you are.” Folks with good character never shy away from making hard decisions whenever they’re necessary and — more importantly — they always take into account the effect their actions will have on others.
The bottom line: Everything we do and say in life represents a choice, and people of good moral character always strive to do the right thing — even when nobody else is paying attention.
Photo Credit: chadh
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Well said! I love these 100 word articles. Good character reflects wise use of our moral compass. The path it leads us on may not always be the easiest one, but it will always be the right one!
Thank you! So refreshing to hear someone talk about good moral character, and that it matters.
Your real character is when you are alone and faced with an issue. For example, you found a wallet with money in it and no one is around. What do you do? It says more about your character when there are no outside influences.
I really admire John Wooden because he really live a life of good values. I knew him casually because he was my mother’s neighbor. He was an amazing man.
I try to teach my kids this all the time. Having good character hopefully helps minimize regrets, shows a fantastic example to others, and will make all aspects of your life cleaner and easier. You will also get the benefit of the doubt if you lead a life of good character.
I guess I didn’t mean easier in terms of it is easy to handle life with good character. In many ways, it is harder to make the right decision. I guess I meant mentally if you strive to live with good morals, then you won’t have the clutter that comes with doing things for the wrong reasons.
I love the John Wooden quote.
I take every opportunity to tell my boys to “be a stand-up guy”. It’s one of those catchall Dad-type admonitions that applies to a many situations. They’re turning out to be good boys, so thankfully I don’t have to say it too often.
[...] Len Penzo can say more in 100 words than many of us can in 1000. He succinctly makes his point in 100 Words On: The Importance of Good Moral Character. [...]