The Six Pillars of Character 550.5
I’ve talked before about the importance of making moral judgments. The idea is not to encourage categorizing or labeling others’ character but to clarify moral obligations in terms of specific values and attributes that make us better people and produce a better society.
The most effective framework I know is built on six core ethical values called the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Thus, if you want to be a person of character:
First, be worthy of trust, live with honor and integrity, be honest, keep your promises, and do what's right even when it costs more than you want to pay.Second, treat others with respect; live by the Golden Rule; and avoid physical violence, verbal abuse, prejudice, and all other acts that demean or offend human dignity.
Third, be responsible, exercise self-discipline and self-restraint, do your best, and be self-reliant and accountable for the consequences of your choices.
Fourth, be fair, don’t cheat, be open and consistent, don’t jump to conclusions, and be careful when making judgments about others.
Fifth, be caring, kind, empathetic, and charitable; avoid selfishness; and do what you can to improve the lives of others.
Sixth, be a good citizen, do your share to make your community better, protect the environment, participate in democratic processes, play by the rules, and obey laws (unless you have a compelling conscientious objection).
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
Thanks once again. I will definitely try to make these choices an every day goal and try my level best to achieve them. Thanks. You sure are heaven sent!
Posted by: Erum Qayyum | January 24, 2008 8:31 PM
I love your commentaries. You're a breath of fresh air in this day of decaying morals. If I had discovered you 10 years earlier, I would have integrated your wisdom in my classroom along with my our efforts to improve the human condition for the future. Keep up the great work. I look forward to you radio comments.
Posted by: Maddy Silverman | January 24, 2008 9:35 PM
Excellent article (Six Pillars of Character)! They may be but babies now, but I'm saving this article to share with my twin daughters. I wish values like this were required teaching in schools, as it seems most parents aren't doing a good enough job instilling this kind of thinking in their children.
Posted by: DaveZ | January 24, 2008 9:54 PM
Michael:
I have learned a lot from your commentaries to become a better & better person... Thank You!!!
I have learned from other people answers but would like to learn from your answers to broaden my understanding...
The question is:
Integrity!!! Have you found a person with full integrity?
Dictionary meaning of integrity:
1. Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
2. The state of being wholesome; unimpaired
3. The quality or condition of being complete; pure
Have you ever found a person with full Integrity? Please share your experience.
Posted by: Santoso Lembono | January 25, 2008 8:44 AM
Your commentary is amazing!!! It reminds me of a book I've read and I would like to recommend to everyone. "Discovering the Laws of Life" by John Marks Templeton.
Posted by: Jay | January 25, 2008 9:40 AM
Brilliant!(Six pillars of character). I will pass this forward and share it at my next Recreation Supervisors meeting. I love good "Free" advice.
Thanks for sharing Michael.
Posted by: De Nize Hunt | January 28, 2008 11:03 AM
I enjoyed your article The Six Pillars of Character
550.5
Posted by: Mary Ruth Meredith | January 29, 2008 1:16 PM
As a teacher of students in 10th-12th grade, I try to add the six pillars in my lessons. Our district works hard to keep a monthly theme going and I try to add them to my lessons. This commentary will be used as a part of my lesson tomorrow. Thank you. I love receiving this information from Character Counts! I always have posted on my board every Friday, Remember make Good Choices! Character Counts!
Posted by: Kathy | April 3, 2008 5:02 PM