Character
Education
Character is a set of
attributes or qualities that defines a person and forms the basis upon
which he/she is judged. Character is what we do when nobody’s looking.
Every attribute of us goes into the building of our character. The
stability of our lives depend on the character we possess. It is an
underlying factor in every person's life that determines how successful
he or she will be. Character is destiny.
Virtues
for a good character
Integrity : Quality characterized by honesty, reliability, and fairness, developed in a relationship over time. It is the condition of being whole or undivided; completeness. Integrity is steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code in keeping our word and standing for what we believe.
Determination : Strength of mind that allows one to endure pain or adversity with courage. It enables us to do what is right in the face of difficulty. Courage, patience and a healthy self confidence are all aspects of a determined mind.
Self Control/Will Power : Control of one's emotions, desires, or actions by one's own will. Self Control is the ability to govern ourselves, to resist our temptations. " He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior " - Confucius
Love : Love generates the willingness to sacrifice for the sake of another. Devotion, kindness, adoration, patriotism & forgiveness make up the virtues of love.
Positive attitude
: A person with a
positive attitude is an asset to himself and to others. Hope, enthusiasm,
flexibility & a sense of humor are all parts of positive attitude.
Hard work and Responsibility : Responsibility is the obligation to carry forward an assigned task to a successful conclusion. There is no substitute for work and no shortcut for success. Success is achieved only through hard work. Attentiveness, Alertness, Obedience, Responsibility ,Truthfulness, Diligence, Orderliness, Creativity and Thoroughness are all virtues of a hardworking and responsible person.
Gratitude/Thankfulness/Gratefulness : Gratitude is a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation. It reminds us to be thankful for everything we have. We can increase our blessings just by being grateful for what we have.
Humility/ Modesty/ Humbleness : The quality or condition of being humble. Humility makes us aware of our inadequacies and encourages us to become better people. “ It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels." - St.Augustine
How To Develop Virtues
Our character defines who we are. Every attribute of us goes into the building of our character. We can change our character. We can develop and improve the specific virtues or qualities, that make up our character.
An easy approach to absorb the above said virtues is to focus our attention on one character quality at a time. We should attempt to live our lives as if we fully possess the character under study. During that time we should seek to understand as much as possible about the character quality. One should analyze the positive and negative usages of the quality and how it can be successfully applied to our daily lives. And finally we should evaluate the outcome.
For Parents And Teachers
Parents are powerful people. They should not underestimate their influence. Their children should be their first priority. Because the family is the foundation of both intellectual & moral development. Home is the first school in a child's life. In fact, most of the morals that children learn, they learn by watching people around them. They absorb behavior patterns from teachers and older students.
Parents and Teachers must encourage children to follow moral principles, and possess the virtues that form a good character. They should reward good behavior.
Social Responsibility
Today we face a lot of problems around us. The basic cause of all the problems is lack of good moral character. Character Education is essential because good character is the key to success and the solution to all the problems.
We must work to improve our own character and help those around us to improve theirs. We must demonstrate good character on the job and in our community and encourage others to do the same. Focusing on character in our families, schools, and communities will make a difference. If the efforts are strong, it will make a difference for the whole country and for the rest of the world.
Through faith in God & dedication, there’s nothing a person can’t achieve.
Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
-
Frank Outlaw
