A new book has come out. It’s a collection of essays by teenagers, all relating how they developed the courage to be themselves. I haven’t read the book yet, but it made me wonder. Is it better to have the courage to be yourself, or to have the courage to be a person of character?
The courage to be a person of character goes beyond the courage to be yourself. It demands more than the courage to be yourself.
The courage to be a person of character is not common – not nearly as common as the supposed courage to be yourself. Many people are willing to talk about character, and they say it is a good thing, but they lack the courage to embrace it and make it their own.
Having the courage of your convictions, for example, is a strong character trait. It is one that helps people, no matter their age, stand up to group pressure. That means knowing clearly what you believe about right and wrong. It means having absolute standards. It means taking a stand for what you believe, regardless of what the group thinks. It means accepting the consequences, even when the group ostracizes you – and many people are unwilling for that. So, they reject courage of convictions.
Many educators read an article such as “Character in Your Hand” and nod their heads in agreement. It makes sense, and it helps them understand how to build character in both themselves and their students. But what happens? Two weeks later, the truths of that article are forgotten, because it requires action, and they don’t want to make the effort.
Honesty is another trait that is commendable, and most employers want it. They long to have questions answered without deception. They long to have office supplies handled with honesty. Honesty is desirable, but it means admitting your errors – and many people are unwilling for that. So, they try to pick and choose when they will exercise honesty. I wonder what they would think of the definition of honesty given in “Character Education Honesty?”
The courage to be a person of character is not common. Oh, most of society wants the benefits of character. They love the article title that promises: “Increase Health, Love, and Safety with Character! Save Money Too!” They get excited when they read, “It has been proven that building character has great positive benefits for those who do it.” But what happens? They learn that building character will require a change in priorities. It will require changes in daily schedule. It will require giving up certain habits, and perhaps certain friendships. It will require change – and many people are unwilling for that. So, they reject the benefits of character.
The courage to be a person of character rises above the lowest common denominator in society. It makes a conscious decision to be different from others. It means not just being yourself – which normally results in doing things your own way. It means doing things the right way. It means basing every action on absolute moral values, even at personal sacrifice, and gladly accepting the consequences.
The courage to be a person of character is, I believe, far more important than the courage to be yourself.
That’s the view from my chair. What’s your view?