Theory
Dictionary defines character as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an
individual. Everyone has character. Character is composed of traits, or qualities,
that are distinctive to an individual. It is those character qualities or traits that
determine a person’s response in any given situation. For example, a person with
the character quality of tolerance will be more accepting of others. Good
character traits are built around high morals, great values and ethical standards.
Some of the traits which build a person with good character may include honesty,
integrity, dependability, loyalty etc. Character is the inner worth of a person. The
measure of money, the magnitude of position and the powers we enjoy are not
matters which determine our character. Our character is the factor which
ultimately decides our success in life. In fact one’s conduct is the best proof of his
character. Crisis or adversity lets us know whether a person stands by his
character traits or will compromise.
Story
Harper has the habit of testing his luck. Well, how can one test one’s luck? Harper
always feels that the best way to test one’s luck is to keep on purchasing lottery
tickets every month and then watch out for the results. It has been more than 10
years since Harper is having a try at his luck. Nothing really worthy that could
make Harper lucky has turned up in his life. “Seasons keep on changing, but you
buy lottery tickets without any reason”, says Harpers wife.
Harper’s wife Maggi used to nag Harper calling him “Crazy lottery Harper”.
According to her, Harper was virtually draining hard earned money because of his
craze for lottery.
Once, the boys of the neighbourhood came to Maggi, to spare some coins for a
worthy cause. The boys were doing a fund collection to repair certain broken
chairs of the garden club and they wanted everyone in the neighbourhood to
contribute something. Magi went inside the house to find if she could find some
coins towards the fund. She searched from cupboards to side tables but could not
trace out any money. But she really wanted to donate something. After minutes
of search, she came out to inform the boys that she did not find any coins. But
just as she was telling that she could not trace coins in her house, with a delight in
her eyes, she said that she would not allow the boys to go empty handed from
her house. While searching for coins, she had come across Harper’s lottery ticket
of the month in one of the racks. She moved back to the room and returned with
the lottery ticket and a smile. The boys looked amused. “Take this lottery ticket
and try your luck”, said Maggi. The boys chuckled and later laughed. However, Joe
the leader of the team accepted the ticket, thanked her and put the ticket safely
in his pockets, before they left her.
Weeks passed and the results were out in the local newspaper. Harper went to
the rack to pick up his lottery ticket and measure his luck quotient. This time, he
could not find the ticket. He enquired and Maggi burst into laughter saying that
his lottery ticket was her donation for the neighbourhood boys. Harper was stoic
and he went down to the arm chair to rest. The evening of the day came after
long hours and all was as usual in the house.
The clock needle which was having its merry go round is believed to have reached 8 at night, when Joe from the neighbourhood came running in with the lottery
ticket to hand it back to Harper. Joe thrust the lottery ticket into the hands of
Harper and said, “Uncle, you are the winner, the first price running to millions is
yours. You have won the lottery.” As the eyes of Maggi started welling up, Harper
refused to accept the lottery ticket. Harper said, “This lottery ticket is yours Joe
and you are the winner. My wife had given it you and it’s yours”. Joe did not
agree, he said “It’s your ticket uncle, and you’re the winner.”
Let us not bother how this story ends, but both Harper and Joe have strength of
character, beyond the measure of money.
Activity
1. Write down three core character traits that you already poses.
a.__________________________________________________
b.__________________________________________________
c.__________________________________________________
2. Write down two character traits which you would like to acquire.
a.____________________________________________________
b.____________________________________________________
Quote
“Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we
think of it, but the tree is the real thing”- Abraham Lincoln
Take Away
1. Character is the factor which ultimately decides your success in life.
2. Imbibe great character traits and enhance your inner worth.