Character Counts 11-18-02
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| Judging Character By Observing Conduct >It's common, especially in educational circles, to distinguish >conduct from character. When commenting on or correcting a child's >misbehavior, for example, it's important not to create negative self- >images so we emphasize that acting badly on a particular occasion >does not make one a bad person. > >Though character surely shapes one's destiny, character itself is not >pre-destined; it's not inborn, it develops. Character is not >hereditary, it's the product of habits we form and choices we make >about values, attitudes and conduct. > >Thus, though not the same, conduct and character are closely related. >In fact, what we say and do, especially as mature adults, generally >reveals and often reinforces our character. So we expect kind people >to act kindly and honest people tell the truth and keep their promises. > >By the same token, when individuals are even occasionally dishonest >it indicates a willingness, if not a disposition, to take moral >shortcuts. If I cheat on an exam or expense report or lie to get a >job or make a sale, it's fair to assume I have probably cheated or >lied in similar situations before and that I would do so again. This >makes me less trustworthy. Thus, it's rational to judge character by >observing conduct. > >Still, fairness and respect requires that we remain open to the >possibility that the act was truly out of character or that the >person can and will make a conscious decision to behave differently >in the future. We have to leave room for the real possibility that >people can get better. > >This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts Josephson Institute of Ethics 4640 Admiralty Way Suite 1001 Marina del Rey, CA 90292-6610 (310) 306-1868 / (800) 711-2670 For more character-building tips, tools, guides and gear: HTTP://WWW.CHARACTERCOUNTS.ORG Kids are 27% of our population, but 100% of our future. Which way they go depends on us! Character Counts! ******************************************************************* Janet H. Hiller, Ph.D. Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist Department of Human Development Washington State University PO Box 646236 Pullman WA 99164-6236 PHONE: 509-335-2884 FAX: 509-335-2808 Electronic Mail: <hillerj@wsu.edu URL: http://hd.wsu.edu/people/faculty/jhil.asp Washington State 4-H Homepage URL: http://4h.wsu.edu |