The survival of freedom depends on character. As we celebrate our freedoms, let’s do our best to be of decent character ourselves and to inspire and expect character in others.
Our high capacity to learn distinguishes us humans. And even some character-impaired individuals can choose to grow. But no new learning takes deep root without reinforcement.
Personal integrity goes beyond sincerity.and authenticity. It’s about embracing high ethics and living them out, even when no one is watching. And it’s about seeing and embracing a much bigger picture.
In deeply knowing ourselves, we have the power to elevate ourselves. This takes both right intention and firm resolution. But we can do it. That’s what inner transformation is all about.
Personal integrity reaches its height in the absence of pretense. The truly decent character has searched his/her heart, knows it well, and strives to keep it pure. This takes a great deal of persistent mindfulness.
Preserving freedom is our most noble cause. But it demands sacrifice. And the noblest sacrifice next to giving one’s life is living it with real integrity. Character matters. Perhaps today more than ever.
Deceit is the hallmark trait of manipulative characters. And there are many ways to deceive. Some disturbed characters are so skilled in the subtlest forms of lying that they have raised it nearly to an art form.