“The final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands”–Anne Frank
Heywood Brown said that “Sports do not build character. They reveal it.” I believe this to be true. Moreover, I believe the same about life. Our character is revealed by the decisions we make.
My nephew recently lamented the total lack of character in American politics, and I have to agree. Sadly, it is not confined to one party, nor is it confined to politics. Society, on the whole, seems more impressed by reputation than true character. As Abraham Lincoln once said, however: “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”
I personally, believe that a man (or woman) is nothing if he (or she) lacks character. Integrity is the only thing of value we take to the grave. The lessons of character can be taught, but, ultimately, we have to decide to what kind of tree we want to be. We decide in every moment who we will be. Integrity is not situational, but it is revealed situationally.
I love the above quote from Ann Frank. Parents, teachers, coaches, and friends can lead us (or not) in character, but, in the end, we decide the path we will take. We alone own our character (or lack thereof). We can blame no one. To give credit where credit is due is certainly warranted, but responsibility is owned by the individual.
According to legendary rugby coach, Larry Gelwix, “if you lose your integrity, you’ve lost everything.” The key is to have integrity to lose (and, of course, to hold on to it for dear life).
We have character and integrity through practice and habitual demonstration of character and integrity. It does not come through providence. It comes from the decision made in the moment (carpe momento).
If, like me, you are disgusted by the lack of character that surrounds us, then do something about it. If the world you see lacks integrity, stand with integrity. “Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself” (Paul “Bear” Bryant).
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!