A Time for Character

The graduating seniors of the College of Holy Cross had a surprise commencement speaker, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who urged them on: "I encourage you to stay strong and unflinching. The country and the world need your talent, your energy, your resolve, and your character."

It is a time for character. A time for every person to rise to the occasion, to bring their best selves forward.

I am a fan of the Character Counts! program, created by the Josephson Foundation for Ethics, which breaks down character into 6 pillars:

Trustworthiness
Respect
Responsibility
Fairness
Caring
Citizenship

To be a person of character means that you have principles that guide the decisions you make about your life, even when it's inconvenient. Even when you don't want to. Even when it's hard. Even when it means sacrifice.

Around us are, sadly, many examples of people without character, people operating through selfishness, greed, and contempt for others.

But look around. There are many more operating with dignity, giving selflessly, and holding themselves to high ethical standards.

What does it mean to you to be a person of character? On social media? At the grocery store? In your home?

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