Self Improvement : Character Education
76Integrity is the foundation for character!
Your Individual Character and Character Education Is Vital!
Welcome reader,
To be quite honest, I began thinking earlier today- Thursday August 18, 2010 about human character education and what has happened to it? More or less, where precisely has society or humanity gone wrong in this one particular aspect of life. Each person's character education is derived from learning from their parents. Character education is extremely important, because it truly defines each person and shows what their actions become or end result.
Parents who lack character education cannot teach their children about character education, because they truly do not understand it to begin with. I found myself thinking about a time in my life, when I was younger and I used to have conversations with my mother and father, about the responsibility I have to myself. My father wasn't really a well-educated person, and for that matter, neither was my mother.
Wisdom gives clarity, lead to answers of truth...
However, I grew up with the realization that forgiveness did not matter and acceptance was the only thing that did matter, with regards to parents.
Now I can understand if you disagree and I am fine with that, but I guess it would be nice if you could understand the wisdom behind it. Then again, as I said already, it is not necessary.
As I said, my father wasn't educated, but he did have a very unique character. He was quite the person to know and understand. At an early age, my father talked to me about character, because he wanted to ensure that I was educated on the character of a man and about what it means.
Integrity should be your guiding character trait..
If you look at much of society, not many people truly understand morals or where morals are derived from, but my father was of the knowledge that "Integrity" was the basis for a person's character and when a person says that s/he is going to do something, then s/he has to step up to the plate and follow through on what they say.
This singular character trait, which should be embedded in every single person on the planet, happens to be missing from mainstream society. When you look at society or all of humanity for that matter- What do you see? Well, I see a bunch of people who like to lie to each other.
I see a bunch of people who apparently do not understand the word "Integrity". And, I find that a real shame. Not to mention, very disturbing and disappointing.
Now, I don't want to bore you with a
repeat of something I've already written about, but I would like to
talk about a few others and give you, what some people will more than
likely call insight.
Your character traits are open books to others,,,
However, it is important that your parents should have had the same conversations. And, should you, not have had these conversations, then the likelihood you would understand what I mean is possibly something you cannot wrap your mind around. But, with any luck and a lot of wisdom, I might be able to explain it enough, so as to teach you about them.
The impact could be eye-opening to say the least, but at least I will have said my peace and bestowed you with the character education that you require to improve your life. Yes, I said, Improve your life. How?
That is the most important part of the message, simply because character education is the basis for morals or morality. This singular concept is the most important attribute you could ever realize.
There many character traits, and some are negative and very destructive if you are not aware of them. Several of them can ruin your entire life to the point that you will end up in jail or dead, because of your lack of character education.
I know, that may sound extreme, but one character trait, which is dishonesty can be very damaging to your life and certainly comes from ignorance about Integrity. I say that because, if you are dishonest in your actions, it also proves that you are dishonest with yourself.
That too may be slightly difficult to realize, but you must understand that if you show some part of your character to others, they can see more than you realize, just from that action.
Integrity is never dishonest....
Some people will try to argue that if they are dishonest with others, it does not prevent themselves from being honest with themselves. Which is actually not truth. You can be honest with yourself about your dishonesty with others. But, your actions show that you are ignorant about understanding how to be honest with yourself.
Should you say no, then obviously you are dishonest with yourself already, and have yet to realize it. Now, I could claim that your ignorance is because you lack character education, which probably would be truth, but since I really do not know you...it would be a broad based assumption. An assumption I would be able to support, providing I was able to see your actions. Therefore, I would no longer be working on an assumption, because I would have evidence to support it. Thus, making it truth.
When my father talked with me about Integrity, he made the effort to stress that I would have to be completely honest with myself about what I do, so others would be able to see my honesty. I thought he was strange, but later in the years to come, it began to sink in, especially when I reached high school. And, just to let you know- my actual education level ceases at high school. I am not a higher educated person, nor do or have I ever felt the need for it.
You owe it to yourself to be honest...
Integrity breeds honesty. And honesty allows you the ability to be happy with yourself and with everything you do. You can build your self-esteem and self-confidence by creating honest actions.
It takes a very mentally and emotionally strong person to be honest in both aspects, with yourself and others. I know, I struggle with it everyday of my life. I only say that because, it is so much easier to be dishonest with others. Why is that an easier path? Because, the consequences are not easily seen, but are also easily negated, because one can be justify through rationalization.
Anyone can rationalize a reason for being dishonest, but when caught, the rationalization becomes flawed. Thus, becomes irrational and borderline insane. An example: Let's say that you are a gun owner and you are carrying it with you(which in some states is illegal- dishonest action), and you see someone killed in cold blood, without reason. At that point, being in possession of a gun, you can rationalize to yourself about shooting the criminal, but your rationalization doesn't give you the right to do so, even though it is within your power.
Responsibility to self is important....
You have a responsibility to protect yourself, and if you are a United States Citizen, then you also have an obligation to protect other people as well. However, you do not have the right to take the law into your own hands, to the point of taking someone's life, regardless.
Some people would make the argument and take it to the extreme, and enter a distraction tactic, such as to talk about the "death penalty" or "capital punishment" laws, which some states have in place. People on a jury have the power to take the life of a criminal, but someone who has a gun does not. They would say that is being a hypocrite. However, one is an obligation to up hold the law and the other isn't(it's a violation of the law).
Your responsibility to yourself is to make sure that you continue to enforce your honesty, but taking the initiative, such as using the gun to prevent the criminal from leaving the scene of the crime, so s/he can be arrested and tried for their crime. You will feel much better taking that tact and keep your character knowledge in tact as well.
Law enforcement isn't your job to do...
You do not get paid to enforce the laws, but you can be held accountable, if you do nothing about a crime you see in progress or know about. You can be charged with a crime, if you are dishonest about doing nothing or remaining silent.
You being responsible in your actions is extremely important to your own future, immediate and distant. It also help other people, even if you do not realize it at the time. It can impact someone so much so that you can benefit, without ever seeing it coming.
Other character traits you should be aware of, such as greed, ego, pride, ignorance, hatred and love, can be positive or negative, depending on the outlook of the person. Some of those are more emotional type character traits and understanding that can go a long way. Each has their uses and many cause more problems than they are really worth. However, understanding them is the most important thing.
Character Education - List of Character Traits...
Below is a list of all the different types of character trait, each person has about themselves and not every one of them applies to you, but could apply to you, depending on many variables. Your lack of character education can you lead you to make many of them a part of your life and again, as I have already said, if you are not aware of character knowledge, then some can completely ruin your life. So, the suggestion I have is for you to self-teach or self-educate about each of them and make sure you understand them. It is that important, not only to your life, but to the life of the people who are around you or that you deal with on a daily basis.
- hopeful
- mysterious
- coarse
- energetic
- hopeless
- naive
- cold-hearted
- enthusiastic
- hospitable
- negligent
- compassionate
- exacting
- humble
- nervous
- complacent
- excited
- humorous
- noisy
- conceited
- expert
- ignorant
- obedient
- concerned
- exuberant
- ill-bred
- obliging
- confident
- facetious
- imaginative
- obnoxious
- obsequious
- reliable
- smart
- thoughtless
- observant
- relieved
- sneaky
- thrifty
- obstinate
- religious
- snobbish
- timid
- opinionated
- respectful
- tolerant
- optimistic
- responsible
- sociable
- touchy
- responsive
- steady
- trusting
- peaceful
- restless
- stingy
- trustworthy
- pensive
- retiring
- stolid
- uncontrolled
- persevering
- risk-taking
- strange
- uncouth
- persistent
- rowdy
- strict
- unfriendly
- pessimistic
- rude
- stubborn
- unruly
- petulant
- safe
- studious
- unscrupulous
- picky
- sarcastic
- stupid
- unselfish
- pleasant
- satisfied
- suave
- upset
- polite
- saucy
- sullen
- useful
- pompous
- scared
- supercilious
- valiant
- popular
- scornful
- superstitious
- versatile
- positive
- secretive
- surly
- vivacious
- precise
- secure
- suspicious
- vulgar
- proud
- sedate
- sweet
- warm
- punctilious
- self-centered
- taciturn
- warm-hearted
- puzzled
- selfish
- tactful
- weak
- quarrelsome
- self-reliant
- talented
- whimsical
- quick
- sensitive
- talkative
- wise
- quiet
- shrewd
- tasteful
- witty
- quixotic
- silly
- tenacious
- worried
- rambunctious
- sincere
- tense
- rash
- skillful
- terrified
- rational
- slovenly
- thankful
- refined
- sly
- thoughtful
- active
- confused
- fair
- immaculate
- adventurous
- conscientious
- faithful
- immature
- affable
- considerate
- fanciful
- impartial
- affected
- cooperative
- fearless
- impatient
- affectionate
- courageous
- fidgety
- impolite
- afraid
- cowardly
- fierce
- impudent
- ambitious
- crafty
- finicky
- impulsive
- amiable
- critical
- foolish
- inactive
- angry
- cross
- formal
- independent
- animated
- cruel
- fortunate
- industrious
- annoyed
- cultured
- frank
- anxious
- curious
- friendly
- innocent
- argumentative
- dangerous
- frustrated
- insipid
- arrogant
- daring
- funny
- insistent
- dauntless
- garrulous
- insolent
- attentive
- decisive
- generous
- intelligent
- babyish
- dependable
- gentle
- intrepid
- bewildered
- determined
- giddy
- jealous
- diligent
- giving
- jovial
- boorish
- discouraged
- glamorous
- keen
- bored
- discreet
- gloomy
- lackadaisical
- bossy
- dishonest
- glum
- languid
- brave
- dismayed
- grateful
- lazy
- brilliant
- disparaging
- greedy
- lively
- busy
- disrespectful
- gregarious
- logical
- calm
- dissatisfied
- grouchy
- lonely
- candid
- distressed
- grumpy
- loquacious
- capable
- domineering
- gullible
- loving
- careful
- doubtful
- happy
- loyal
- caustic
- dutiful
- hardy
- lucky
- cautious
- eager
- harried
- malicious
- charismatic
- easygoing
- harsh
- mature
- charming
- effervescent
- hateful
- mean
- cheerful
- efficient
- haughty
- meticulous
- childish
- eloquent
- helpful
- mischievous
- clever
- embarrassed
- honest
- moody
- clumsy
- encouraging
I certainly hope you learned quite a bit about character education.
Please apply it to your life and the positive things it can do to improving your life.
Thank you for your time
Raymond Choiniere II - Cagsil Service Founder
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Thank you Medkh9. I very glad to hear it. It happens to be one of things missing from much of society. Many people continue to damage their own character because they do not realize or understand it. I appreciate you reading and commenting. It's warmly welcomed. :)
I really had to vote this Hub up. I agree, character education is lacking today.
Well if you've accomplished one thing, it's encouraging readers to dig out their dictionaries and look up the meaning of each of these character traits.
I knew most of these, actually. Only had to look up a few as a refresher. I'm happy [there's a useful trait] to say, I represent nearly all the good ones, and if I'm honest with myself, a small handful of the lesser ones, considerably less frequently...and of course, none of the bad ones.
Integrity is far too important if you want to get along in this world. You're right...the positive traits on your list will make for a solid, upstanding citizen of character.
Very good hub, sir.
Thank you very much WildIris. It most certainly is lacking in society today. Hence, my reason for writing this hub. I am very grateful for the vote up also. It is very helpful, as is your reading and commenting. :)
@Timorous, well if they had to dig out their dictionaries and look up the meanings, then I suppose that they will actually learn something, which is was my goal of writing the hub. So, I guess you learned something too? LOL! It's okay to have some of the bad ones, but it is more important to be aware of having them and when you are using them. The positive ones are the ones that will ultimately improve your life and make you an overall better person. Again, thank you very much and as always, it's a pleasure to see you. I am grateful for your compliment as well. :)
Integrity and honesty are two traits I try my hardest to stay true to. It is the measure of a good man and one measure I hold sacred. I enjoyed your hub!
Thank you dobson for coming by and reading, and commenting. It's much appreciated. My dad always said "character" of a person is what matters above most everything else. I'm glad you enjoyed the hub. :)
I agree with you that integrity is necessary and all, but I have a philosophy that nurtures the idea of acceptance. When you accept others they accept you and you go from there. If a person didn't get trained right, according to your standards, can they get it for themselves later? Why will they want to do this? How will they do it? I have been hearing that people's value systems have been degrading since I was still in pig tales and older people tell me that have heard the same thing forever too. I haven't seen any real change in the proportion of misdeeds to good ones all my life. I know I don't really know you, but I've observed your hubs and comments for about a year now. I really am seeing that you, Cagsil, could relax a little on your opinion of the world and its people. If you're getting your idea of what the world is like from the media reports of crime and criminal actions and scandals and misdeeds, then you are getting a skewed perspective based on what they report. Or if you're getting your opinions based on your interactions on HubPages, you should understand that the most vocal people in the religious and political forums are not a true sampling of the world's people. Out in the real world people continue to help each other, treat each other with compassion and generosity and forgiveness. I only find the other stuff on TV and in the newspapers. But I may be wrong and I don't mean this as a judgment of you and your attitudes - I'd just like to see you relax a bit sometimes! My grandma used to tell me that your ideas about things depend in large part on where you point your head - where you focus your attention. If all you see is badness and despair, try looking in a different direction. Anyway, good hub, it got me thinking, obviously!
Hey Mega, I think you have me confused for some reason. I speak from personal experience and wisdom I've gained from living my life. When I am out in public, I see lots of people simply doing dishonest things in their actions. I don't watch TV or get media reports from anywhere, which you claim skewed my vision. I am being more realistic to what is going on in the world. More and more broken homes and families are occurring now than ever before and the only answer to WHY? is because of a lack of moral aptitude. Thus, they lack character education, which was the reason for writing this hub.
I don't take you as being judgmental of my view or vision, I am informing people about the mess that society is creating because fewer parents are teaching their children true moral values. You can say whatever you want with regards to it, but when I walk into someone's home, I expect to see some type of family value and moral values being instilled and they simply are not, because of a pathetic view "do as I say, not as I do" mentality continues to affect the children. Parenting is an obligation to teaching children what is right and what is wrong, to instill moral values. And, it is just not happening as much as it should. Otherwise, the crime levels across the country would have dropped and that's simply not the case. More and more people are being arrested for whatever reasons.
Thank you for reading the hub and leaving a comment. :)
Children actually learn more from their peers than their parents, the trouble is there are so many children that have limited contact with their parents due to work and plain disinterest that all they learn is what they get from the other kids!
This combined with the rubbish that children are fed from the media is giving us a major problem in our society..
Hey LeanMan, I would have to agree, simply because the deterioration of the children now presently effecting society, in the overall perspective. The lack of parental guidance is creating a completely disruptive nature and many kids that are guiding other kids, shows that each have a lack of what character really means. And, yes, media is not helping the situation either. Thank you very much for coming by my hub and reading, and commenting. It's always a pleasure. :)
Well, once again, you overlook what I was really trying to say. It isn't as important to me that you think more people are growing up without character training - without real values and morals. What I was trying to say is that what you see is related to where you are looking - I don't see this so much - the people I see are getting as much, if not more, character training and values and moralistic fiber than my friends and I did when we were growing up. Most of the people I meet and interact with are good, have good intentions, know how to act, etc. I just don't feel as negative about this as you do. And seeing that you are seriously worried about the way the world goes, I wish there were some way I could see you relax a bit and see all the great and truly inspirational things that happen everyday in our world! We just don't see things the same way at all - I didn't mean that you watch TV - I was asking if you got your ideas about the world from the media reportage - you say you see this lack of character education in people's homes and that's really too bad. I don't see it in the homes I visit - and these people I know are normal, good people who are just as busy with work and all as anyone else - but their kids are really pretty wise! So I hope you meet some people like that soon!
Hey Mega, I understood your point. However, I am all over my area and I travel a lot to all different cities around where I live. Not to mention, I have the pleasure of being thousands of people weekly, and their actions show their individual character education is lacking. It has nothing to do with my sight, it has to do with their actions. I'm glad that you have surrounded yourself with good people. It must be nice to live an isolated life with so many good people around you, that you do not see the things that I see. As for me relaxing? It's irrelevant, when we have politicians in office that lack character, like the president of the united states. We have media businesses that have their own agenda, so as to make people betray others, because they believe something that is not true. The fact that you dismiss things outside your community or your own little life, is what is the most appalling. So, if you want keep your view, live your life and be happy. But, I'm going to continue fighting the good fight to straighten out society, because it is obvious to me, that more and more kids are NOT actually growing up with what you call moral values and family values, which is what I blame on a lack of character knowledge and education from their parents. A prime example are two people within my own family, and that reference is from my sister and her children. My sister was taught like I was, but dismisses what she was taught because she is too selfish and self-centered. Again, thank you for the discussion and I appreciate your comments. But, your view tells me you seriously need to get out more, which is also discussed in this hub about community awareness. Then again, you might just refuse to see the bad in people, and that would be just ignorant to dismiss it, because it is actually having an effect on your life, even if you cannot see it. Do try and have a good day. :)
Good grief! I guess I was way off base, as you say, to suspect that you just didn't know any good people! I'm not saying all the people I know are good, I just don't go into bad people's homes - but if you're selling things you really don't get a choice. I don't know enough about you to make a judgment about what you believe and that's not what I'm saying. I certainly don't agree with your perspective on most things, and so, nevermind, it's pointless to try to discuss anything with you. You TRY to have a good day - mine is already good!
Oh mega, you're too funny. LOL! LOL! It's never pointless to try and discuss anything with anyone. And, I'm sure you day is good as is mine. But, thanks again. :)
This is a very good point that should be expressed more.
Thank you kindly lettucehead. And, you would be correct, it should be expressed more. It's unfortunate that many don't understand that it makes a huge difference. If a person has no clue about their own character, then how can one teach someone else? The answer to that question is that they cannot honestly. It was a pleasure to see you and appreciate your reading my hub and commenting. :)
Spectacular take on who as humans we can be. Without Character education or integrity, we are just another empty vessel equal in worth to that which we hold within.
I am voting this hub up.
K9
Thank you very much K9keystrokes. I'm very glad you liked the hub and the message it brings to the table. I am also grateful for the vote up too. :)
This should be an eye-opener to all the parents out there who forget to inculcate good characters in their children.Schools try their best but there are all kinds of children inside a single campus with different characters-some negative,some positive.So parents play a very important role and Cagsil, you should be very grateful to your dad.My respect for him has grown:)
Hey Uma, I would agree that this should be an eye-opener for a lot of parents. Character education is so important with regards to children and they(parents) should be doing more to instill it into their children. Schools should be also doing more about it, especially with regards to teaching them about ways to self-teach, self educate and self improvement.
As for my father- I'm proud of the time I had with him and I chose to learn as much as I could from him, because I had no clue how long he would be around to learn from. Just in case you don't know....check out this other article which I wrote about him
http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Lost-Soul-My-Missing-Fat
Thank you very much for stopping by reading and commenting on my hub. It is always a pleasure to see you. I'm very grateful. :)
The father / child relationship is much more important that most realize. The trouble today is that the father is rarely available to undertake the esponsibility that your father took to instil the 'meaning of life', for that is what it is. A man (that is a human being) should be judged on integrity, honestly, compassion, wisdom, strength (of character) and his willingness to learn and to pass knowledge to the next generation. If a man has those qualities then his next generation is more likely to have those same traits and character. We are evolving and the world to which we need to adapt, places less importance on the role of the father figure and more on his earning capacity. This is true also of the woman. We need to control our environment in order to cause evolution to take an alternate path to praising those attribute that ensure society follows the path that Cags lays out.
Great, insightful hub which should be read more than once to get the full essence of meaning extracted. Definite vote up and awesome and I don't do that for many hubs.
Hey humagaia, thank you very much for reading and commenting. Plus the honored of vote up. I'm sure you don't do it much with regards to things you read online. As for controlling our environment, it is a false ideology, because we cannot control our entire environment, but we can be aware of what can happen from our actions. Our actions create our environment to an extent, without regards to nature, but by being aware or having a valued character education, each person can lessen the damage that their actions do have, not only on their life, but that of others as well. It is a real shame that more knowledge about character isn't passed on down anymore to children. People claim to pass on moral values, but when you look at society, it makes you think what people think morals are truly? I am being serious...so many people have a understanding of morals, but fail to realize that morals come from character education. I blame not them, but their parents and the parents before them, because character education is passed on through to generation after generation. Which in turn helps build family and moral values. Thank you again. Very much appreciated. :)
What a thought provoking Hub you have written! I don't even know what to say at the moment but I did enjoy reading this. Great job! Thumbs up to you.
Hey kaltopsyd, thank you very much for reading and commenting. Your comment is priceless and I'm glad you enjoyed reading it. I appreciate your compliment as well. :)
Great Hub. Very thought provoking. How can we teach character when all of the media destroys whatever we teach.
Hey Cooperfsu, thank you for the compliment. It is much appreciated. I'm also glad you found it thought provoking, because that was the intention. As for your question "How can we teach character when all of the media destroys whatever we teach?" - The media doesn't destroy what is taught, it only amplifies what actions are not made of character to begin with. It shows people who are less than honorable in their actions. It doesn't discredit the teachings, it shows that certain people who claim to have character education bred into themselves, while their actions show something completely different. Thus, showing liars out of those who make such claims. The media loves bad news, because it helps with ratings...good news doesn't bring as much attention. The fact that character education is lacking in a lot of people's lives is proven every time the media shows someone doing bad things. It also shows that person has not integrity to begin with, which is the foundation of character education. Again, thank you for reading and commenting. I'm grateful. :) It was a pleasure to meet you as well. :)
Interesting, thanks.
Thank you bojanglesk8. I take it that it either didn't have an impact or you were already familiar character education? However, your comment doesn't say much of anything. Therefore, your comment alone is interesting, to say the least and says much about you as a person. But, I'm glad you at least read the hub. :)
Hey Cags,
This hub came up first when I logged in today! So glad to have the opportunity to reflect on the importance of integrity.
It is unfortunate that so many people these days don't have it to pass on to their kids. It seems that parents of my generation (who lived through the Great Depression and WWII) has integrity/honor to spare.
My husband refers to it as having a "moral compass."
I also believe it's possible to "grow" character later in life if you find the right guideposts and are willing to do the self-work.
Anyway, I'm rambling. But thanks for a most interesting and thought-provoking hub. Voted up! MM
Hey Mighty Mom, I know I seem to be wearing out the word Integrity, but it's the most important part of who we are as a person. I would agree, Integrity is a moral compass and providing a person has adequate character education, they would know that being of Integrity, keeps one honest with themselves. Thus, guiding their actions, like a compass. My father was born in 36 and my mother was born in 47, so their parents understood being honest with self and doing good work. It's something that can be learned later in life, but how much damage do they do before they learn? Who knows. Thank you very much for reading and commenting. I'm grateful for your kind words and the vote up. :)
We did have character education in our schools during the previous few decades. Before that, parents, on the whole, did provide character education, as did (and still do) our religious institutions. However, since the 1950's TV has entered our homes with daily doses of profanity, violence, vulgarity, promiscuity, deceitfulness and soft porn. (yes. it is true) In addition, we do see more people in public with less integrity and honesty. So, I agree with you that it is the parents' job to provide character examples, role models and lessons. Some schools also provide character training, still. We have to help our children gain better character skills by providing more positive role models. That is, being honest, kind, highly moral,ethical, honorable, etc. in public ourselves. And we need to confront people (in a respectful way) when we see dishonesty.
Hey agaglia, my parents were my sole provider for character education and I'll agree TV has done a lot of damage over the years. Not to mention, many different families have decided to only instill certain aspects of character education and leaves out some of the more important aspects. You would certainly also be correct on the examples kids/children have for character, such as kid superstars and the like. Even parents should be solid role models, but first it would be helpful if they were taught character education, so they could give it to their children. It was a pleasure to meet you and I am very grateful for you reading and commenting on my hub. Thank very much. :)
Cagss, you really got it going, not hat I ever see anything other that quality from you.. Great hub and gives positive things to reach for!
Hey Shari, thank you very much for reading and commenting. It looks like I've picked a series that could write almost 200 hubs with. I mean, when you look at all the different character trait that consist within character education...well seriously another couple hundred hubs could be written on them. Btw- I appreciate the compliment. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
So what exactly is your plan to educate these character flawed masses? Surely you don't think you can do it on your own? Although all I see here is one person's opinion backed by absolutely NO facts, and referencing NOT ONE book or audio or website that would help anyone improve their character.
The reason you must cite facts and sources, my friend, is because you may not have the results people want in their own lives, and thus they should not be taking counsel from you. Never take advice from anyone unless they have the results you want. Also, you (or anyone, for that matter) are incapable of seeing your own blind spots, your own character flaws. And although these flaws are usually blatantly obvious to those around you, we, as readers, cannot see them, and are forced to take what you say at face value. "No man is an island."
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." -Gandhi
I don't understand why you aren't referencing books like "The 21 ireffutable laws of leadership" by John C. Maxwell or "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie or "Character Counts" by Os Guiness or "Launching A Leadership Revolution" by Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady. These are all excellent sources of information on character based growth and leadership. It's one thing to just tell people what they're lacking, but it's another thing entirely to EQUIP & EMPOWER them and impact their lives for the better.
Hey Paradigmshift, it is interesting to see you again and I'm glad you actually read it. The objective was only to increase awareness. Approximately 50% of the self help book on the market are meaningless to someone, because even if they read the books, it is still a matter of putting them to work in one's life. Awareness of one's actions is more important than one book you make reference to in your comment. I'm sure you've read them, but I have not, so I am not going to promote something I've not read to someone I do not know. As for your comment referencing Gandhi, I appreciate it. I make an impact on people, every day of my life, either through increasing their awareness or by simply talking to them. This hub would probably be better if I directed them to some source. However, since my awareness is apparently higher than my average reader, I'm only pointing out what has been observed, so as to inform others of it.
I appreciate your message and I thank you for reading my hub. A little self initiative and the ability to want to self improve is still upon the reader. If they notice that they are lacking in the department of character education, because they do not know half what is in the hub, then I would expect them to learn it. I'm not in the habit of recommending things that I myself am not familiar with. But, I'm glad you did though. :) I'm grateful for your passage of knowledge. :)
Point taken. I apologize that I forgot to say that your hub was well written (and intended). Awareness is of great importance, and I would argue a good starting point (duh!). It's easy to forget that everyone is at a different level of growth. I refer back to what I said about seeing one's own blind spots!
Anyway, I would recommend, if I may, that you try reading some of those books or others by the same authors, if only to increase your own effectiveness. Good luck in your endeavors and may you serve your purpose well!
Hey Paradigmshift, I appreciate your response. It is easier to approach people on the simplest and lowest level, because people do not grow at the same rate nor do the excel at the same pace. Everyone learns at their own pace. I try to be as aware as I possibly can and even realize I am limited in knowledge, which part of my own ignorance. I'm always trying to remain open. Thank you very much again. :)
I agree with you about society! It is getting worse and worse where morals and character are concerned. I am trying to teach my children good character and morals...it is tough, but well worth it! Thanks for a good thought provoking hub.
Thank you Specialk. I am glad that you are teaching your children good character and morals. The hardest part is in the stressing the importance of good character and morals. Many people do not realize that the best method to obtaining happiness is in the maintaining of a good character. Many are just not aware of the importance it truly has on their life. And, you are right, it is well worth the effort to make others more aware of the necessity of being of good character. It prevents people from harming others or being deceitful to others. I'm glad you enjoyed my hub and I appreciate your comment too. Thank you very much again. :)
Awesome job Cagsil, I saw this one on the front of HP and just had to stop in for a read. My thougnts are that so much can be associated to the fact that the importance of 'character' is not being emphasized or paid attention to like it was even 20 years ago. Thanks for attempting to make everyone aware of the fact that somethings are priceless to have. :)
Thank you Money Glitch. I appreciate your kind words and compliment. It's nice to see my writing made front page. :) And, to know it brought you here to my hub. Yes, btw- character education is and has been slacking for many years now and you would also be correct that it is nothing like it was 20 years ago. Character education and Character itself is priceless, I'll agree. :) Again, Thank you so much. :)
This was nice (and refreshing too). My parents (especially my father, who, too, only had a high-school education) was "big" on talking about integrity, character, honesty, etc. My mother talked about character too, but she approached it more from a "nobody's-going-to-like-you" and "you-won't-be-able-sleep-at-night" kind of angle. In other words, she pointed out what was in it for me if I aimed to build character in myself. My father took a more philosophical approach, and his "sharing of ideas" was what captured my interest and imagination. I saw the beauty in those ideas and saw how important it is to "have them as your own". They both did their best to have good character too, so I could see what was admirable about that.
Basically, I had character thrown at me from all directions; but I saw it was one of the best aspects of having the two parents I did (even if my mother did to try "sell" good character from the what's-in-it-for-me" angle). :)
These are things I did try to share with my own kids, so I think teaching character is still "out there". Maybe it just needs to be more "out there" and more talked about in public.
You touch on some good points about the lack of character education in our society here, Cags. Nice hub.
Great topic. I think people (parents especially) need to take this topic more seriously. Thanks for your writing.
Hey Lisa, yeah- my parents were big on the character aspect of who are to grow into and what is makes us to be. My father was the one who used the approach more often than not, with relation to women and my mother used character as a building block for self-esteem and how other perceive "who I am as a person", type mentality. I'm very glad you liked the article and I appreciate you reading and leaving such a wonderful comment. Thank you very much. :)
@Anesidora, when I look around at society, and really pay attention to people's actions, character always comes into question. Character Education is not something that can be taught in school(if they wanted to, they probably could), because it should be taught by parents, simply due to the fact that parents have more influence in their child's life than anyone else. Thank you very much reading and commenting, and for your compliment.
@MKayo, I would have to agree, which is why I am writing a series of topics on Character Education. Parents need to be doing more about it, because kids nowadays, lack character education and it is so easy to notice. Thank you for reading and commenting. You're welcome. I'm glad you liked the topic. :)
Character is basically formed by the age of 5. Parents or the child's carers have a huge part to play in the development of a child's character. The real power behind a person's life is their subconscious and development of the intellect though commendable is of little importance if the character at the subconscious level is flawed. People need to be made aware that the subconscious can be accessed and change can be affected but not many people know how to do this. This is a good hub with good solid opinions but you have a tendency to misuse the power of your own thought and that is why you attract the negativity you speak about. I have only started reading your hubs and I intend to keep reading. I am also very impressed by the care you take in replying to peoples' comments. You come across as a very caring person and a man of integrity. So you walk the talk!
Thank you Spirit Whisperer for coming by, reading and commenting. I'm grateful. Much appreciated. :)
I am very impressed with your reaction. You now have a new follower.
Thank you Spirit Whisperer. I'm glad to know I made an impact upon you. I also appreciate you following my writing as well. :)
very informative article.two thumbs up!
Thank you Sharmanlow for reading and commenting. I appreciate the two thumbs up as well. :) I am very glad you enjoyed the hub. :)
I just took an exam, ticking on the character traits you listed. I tried to be very honest and went back to that age of reason I can remember. I ended up with a dismal score! Oh, I realize I have much to evaluate in myself. I proclaim myself to be good but I'm not that good, haha!
We share the same situation, as my parents were not as educated as to our levels today, but they tried their best to instill in us good character and integrity. We, 9 siblings, wouldn't have come to this status in life if our parents failed us.
Cagsil, thank you for reminding everyone here about the importance of updating our own character for as long as we live. Yes, we can't give our children what we don't have. I'm sure that your parents have more than enough to share with their children, despite their education. Values are both taught and caught.
Thank you Lita for coming by my hub, reading and commenting. I do have a couple of other hubs you might be interested in reading, which are part of the series of hubs I have on character. (a) 5 Steps To Build Your Character and (b) Life Topic - Life Education - Self Help. Both hubs are about the individual as a person. Maybe, each could help you. Both links are below-
http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Conscious-Mind-Is-Aware-
http://hubpages.com/hub/Life-Topic-Life-Education-
Again, thank you very much. I'm grateful. :)
Dear Ray, I beg to differ. Honesty is so much easier than being a liar. A liar has to constantly remember his web of untruths, has the burden of secrets. But let me tell you how I got a character education from a 4year old. He was sitting on my lap on the bakc porch where we watched a mother mockingbird teach her baby bird to hunt. Curious as to what the little one was circling, I ran out to discover a hermit crab. "It's only a hermit crab," I said to my son.
"Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it's okay to kill it," the wise child replied.
Thank you Dolores for reading and commenting. However, I can understand that point you make, but I would like to point out that many people lie to people and actually don't have to remember the lie itself, because they are most likely not to talk to that same individual again.
Yes, I'll agree it is always easy to remember honesty, because it doesn't change. But, almost every day I see people lie to other people, and I choose not to say anything, because it's really not my place and I wasn't in the conversation. It was something I overheard. And, I'll agree the 4 year old has a good head on his shoulder, with regards to the statement he made.
On a side note- what about all the little "white" lies people tell? Is that a person who is truly being honest with themselves and others? Or are they simply trying to not hurt the other person's feelings? To me, a lie is a lie. I thank you again. :)
I don't think enough has been talked or written about regarding the ME Generation. The kids who were raised during it are raising kids and even having grandkids now. There's a solid link between the ME Generation and the current Occupy movement. (How did greed get so embedded in government and industry?) I know this is a huge topic, and I can't run with it now (I have too many soups to make and write about). But your Hub hit at the core of my being. I was raised with these ethics, morals, and principles held high as goals to strive for, and I raised my kid the same way. Monkey see, monkey do. It wasn't all that hard, just lead the life you want your kid to live.
Up and useful. Also, glad you put this out there on fb, or I wouldn't have seen it.
Thank you Sally's Trove for reading and leaving a comment. :) Yes, the ME generation has been the ones causing the results we are seeing, not only in America but globally too. The character of a person should be the utmost important aspect that needs constant monitoring. If it's not, then people are only deceiving themselves. Yes, parents have fallen down on the job and it's not only their fault, but too many influences muddying the water, causing distortion by spreading misinformation. In other words, people of less character manipulating the rest. The question would be why? I know the answer to that question, power and control. Thank you again. :)
Very interesting and right on!! I think that taking the time to explain in detail about good character traits can be exhausting but worth every second you spend talking to your kids about this! I always say - nip things in the bud and it will save you hours of tears and trouble later. It's hard to explain to little children - different aspects of how and why we behave and how we can handle things better but it is so worth it.
I started out with my kids learning the manners when they started talking - I pushed please, thank you and your welcome as first words....because those are the most important to me:) lol
Thank you RealHousewife for reading and commenting. I appreciate the "right on" and take it as a compliment. There are simply too many parents who are not living up to the responsibility of parenting. It's a shame to see happening and would be prevented if more parents started with character education as the first steps to raising children to become adults. Character of self and the character people see in actions are important to the success of a child's development. Having more honest children will lead to more honest adults. To bring peace with oneself, must be honest with self about being honest. There's no levels to integrity. It is what it is. Thank you again. :)
Thank you - you validate me! It sucks - sucks - sucks to have to be the person who rears and disciplines children - I hate that part. I tell my daughters that's the part that is the most boring but important. It's my job to see that they grow up to be well behaved and productive adults that know how to behave when I'm not around but it has to be done....better now than later! Smooths the path:)
You're welcome. :) It's my pleasure to see your comments. I learn more about you. Much appreciated. :)
Ha! See where the rabbit hole leads? We start at integrity and move to manners:) lol. But I think it starts there....in little bitty child hood:)
Rabbit hole leads? Well from what I've seen and learned from you....it's a deep hole. LOL! LOL! The move from integrity to manners? It shouldn't be too difficult of a step. :)
So glad I "found" this Hub you wrote. I get on my soap box frequently about this same subject. I wrote a Hub about my concern. I blame TV, Movies, Social media, etc. for the decline in character. I also blame the lack of parental involvement with the children. We just accept behaviors (even the bad ones. I voted this UP, etc.
Thank you Mary615 for reading and commenting. There are far too many people who truly lack the understanding and knowledge of being human to begin with. It's sad to say that many within society just don't give a damn about what kind of character they show off to others and that's the real shame. That was also the sole purpose of writing this hub. Accepting bad behavior is foolish and dangerous to those around those who are acting bad. Thank you for the vote up too! :)
It begins almost immediately and is taught by word, deed/example and with consistency & determination. A child as young as 18mos-2yrs is fully capable of understanding "unacceptable behavior," when taught lovingly but consistently by the most beloved adults in their little world. They understand smiles and hugs as well as frowns & disappointment and learn the latter is NOT OK. One's "character" is literally WHO they are, what they are capable of offering to society and how they are viewed by others. To say "character ," is important, is to say the least. To sum up my thoughts on this topic, I'll share some profound words written by my parents, in a graduation card, many years ago. After many beautiful words expressing their pride, happiness & love, they signed it: "From the two people who wanted so much for you to be the very best human being you could be.....we were willing to let you hate us now and then".......Those words and the results of their reality, gave me steadfast guidelines for raising my own children. Parenting is NOT a popularity contest.
Thank you fpherj48 for reading and commenting. Much appreciated.
Interesting hub and comments. Teaching character traits like integrity is and was always suppose to be done in the home. That is not done today in most homes. We valiantly try to teach it in the classroom but it doesn't always take because of the lousy examples children see in their own homes and in society everyday. It sometimes seems like a loosing battle. Parents expect the schools to teach everything today even character education.
Role modeling and adult examples of integrity are what teaches character development, but there are too many distractions in the media, society, and families today, for anyone to take character education seriously. And, that is a shame and a detriment to our country as a whole. Your list of character traits is a good one and is very thought provoking as others have said.
Thank you suzettenaples for reading and commenting. The first paragraph of your comment is what brought this article into being. I would agree that role models and adult examples are what's truly missing from much of society, because these so-called people are not actually teaching character. Making sure children/kids understand that it's important that their actions speak of their understanding of it. Thank you again. :)
character education begins at home. I think the only way it can be taught is by example.
good hub.
Thank you PDX for the compliment. You're right it starts at home and should be parents leading by example. To do otherwise, teaches children/kids that "do as I say, not as I do" type of hypocrisy and that character means nothing at all. I appreciate you reading and commenting. :)
no problem, Ray. You speak the truth that people are afraid to say!
That's what I keep telling people and very few would agree. LOL! :)
well, we can be happy knowing we're right and they're not ;-)
LOL! LOL! LOL! Good to know. :) :D
Medkh9 21 months ago
wow thanks for this prolofic hub i really enjoyed reading it