Character is a Spectrum ... But it is not Relative
Character is a fundamental aspect of our identity, guiding our actions, decisions, and interactions with others. It separates us from other animals; holding us to universal standards of humanity. It encompasses a spectrum of qualities and behaviors, ranging from honesty, integrity, and kindness to resilience, empathy, and accountability. While character traits can vary greatly among individuals (and there is no perfect human), the underlying principles of good character are universal and constant. This concept challenges the notion that character is relative, emphasizing that certain core values remain steadfast regardless of context or personal interpretation.
At its core, character is about adhering to ethical principles and moral values that are universally recognized as positive. These include integrity, which involves being truthful and maintaining consistency in actions and words; honesty, which means being transparent and sincere in dealings with others; and empathy, which requires understanding and compassion towards others' experiences and emotions. These traits form the bedrock of strong character and are not subject to change based on circumstances or personal convenience.
The idea that character is on a spectrum acknowledges that individuals exhibit different levels and combinations of these traits. Some may excel in resilience and determination, while others might be more naturally empathetic and kind. This diversity in character traits reflects the richness of human experience and the varied ways in which people navigate the complexities of life. It also highlights the potential for growth and development in one's character, as individuals can work on strengthening areas where they may be lacking.
However, the notion that character is not relative underscores that despite this variability, there are fundamental principles that define good character across all contexts. These principles are not malleable or open to subjective interpretation. For instance, integrity does not mean different things to different people; it consistently involves a commitment to truth and ethical behavior. Similarly, empathy always entails a genuine concern for the well-being of others, regardless of who they are or what they have done.
This distinction is crucial because it establishes a common ground for evaluating and understanding character. In a world where moral relativism often blurs the lines between right and wrong, recognizing the constancy of core character principles provides a reliable compass for navigating ethical dilemmas. It ensures that actions and decisions are grounded in values that promote trust, respect, and fairness.
Moreover, the constancy of these core principles reinforces the idea that good character is essential for building and sustaining meaningful relationships and communities. Trust, for example, is built on the foundation of honesty and integrity. Without these, relationships become fragile and susceptible to betrayal and misunderstanding. Similarly, empathy and compassion foster a sense of connectedness and mutual support, which are vital for the health and cohesion of any community.
Character Mea Culpa
I must admit that I have not always seen character as the absolute it is. There have been times, particularly in my relationships, when I allowed myself to view character as relative—justifying actions or decisions that didn’t align with the ethical standards I profess to uphold. In these moments, I lost sight of the constancy that defines true character, choosing instead a path of convenience or emotional expediency.
These choices weren’t just lapses in judgment; they were symptoms of a deeper disconnection from my core self. When I allowed character to become relative, I was, in essence, severing the link to my own inner truth. The greatest harm that this relativism inflicted was not just on those around me but on myself and my own soul. By compromising my values, I undermined my own integrity and eroded the foundation of trust and authenticity that is vital to both self-respect and meaningful relationships.
These experiences have taught me that when character is treated as malleable, it becomes fragile, and easily compromised by personal biases or circumstantial pressures. In allowing myself to drift from my core principles, I also allowed myself to drift from who I truly am. The cost of this disconnection was profound, leading to a loss of inner peace and a sense of fragmentation within myself. It is only by returning to the steadfast principles that define good character—integrity, honesty, empathy, accountability, and resilience—that I have begun to restore that connection to my true self, finding clarity and purpose once again.
Recognizing this has reinforced the importance of character as an anchor in both personal and professional life. It is not just a measure of how we treat others but a reflection of how we relate to our own inner truth. By remaining true to these values, we not only build trust and respect in our relationships with others but also cultivate a sense of wholeness and alignment within ourselves.
Character is Actions, Not Intentions
Character is how we judge the trustworthiness and effectiveness of those we choose to lead us. It is not enough for leaders to have good intentions; their character is ultimately revealed through their actions—through what they do rather than what they plan or hope to do. Actions carry tangible consequences, impacting others and reflecting the true values and principles that drive a leader. Here are three key points to consider when judging a leader's character through their actions:
Consistency in Adversity: A leader's character is most authentically revealed in moments of challenge and adversity. It is easy to uphold ethical principles when circumstances are favorable, but true character is demonstrated by maintaining integrity, honesty, and empathy when faced with difficult decisions. A leader who consistently acts with integrity under pressure shows that their values are deeply held, not just convenient ideals. For instance, a leader who remains transparent and accountable during a crisis, rather than evading responsibility, proves their commitment to ethical leadership.
Alignment of Words and Deeds: The alignment between a leader's words and their actions is a crucial indicator of their character. Trustworthy leaders are those whose actions consistently reflect the promises and commitments they make. When a leader’s deeds match their rhetoric, it shows that they are not only serious about their intentions but are also reliable and authentic in their leadership. Conversely, leaders who frequently promise one thing but do another erode trust and demonstrate a lack of integrity.
Impact on Others: The true measure of a leader’s character is also seen in the impact their actions have on others. A leader who consistently acts with empathy, fairness, and accountability contributes positively to the well-being of their team, community, or organization. Their actions should build trust, foster collaboration, and uplift those they lead. Leaders whose decisions harm others, either through neglect or intentional malice, reveal a lack of character regardless of their stated intentions. The ethical implications of a leader's actions, and their consequences for those around them, are fundamental in judging their moral and ethical standing.
By focusing on these three areas—consistency in adversity, alignment of words and deeds, and the impact on others—we can more accurately assess the character of those who lead us. Leaders must be held accountable not just for what they say they will do, but for what they actually do, especially when faced with challenging circumstances. It is through their actions that a leader's true character is revealed, making this the ultimate standard by which they should be judged.
“Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
― Lao Tzu
If it is Relative, it is not Character
If we were to argue that character is relative, it would imply that ethical standards and moral values vary based on individual perspectives or situational contexts. This notion would fundamentally undermine the idea that character is demonstrated through actions. If character were relative, actions would no longer serve as a reliable indicator of one’s values, as those values could shift depending on circumstances or personal biases.
For example, if one person believes that honesty is crucial while another considers deception acceptable in certain situations, the actions stemming from these beliefs would differ greatly. In a relativistic framework, both individuals could claim to have strong character despite conflicting behaviors. This contradiction makes it impossible to use actions as a consistent measure of character, leading to an incongruity in evaluating ethical behavior.
This incongruity creates a circular error: if character is relative, then actions can no longer reliably reveal character because the underlying values are inconsistent. And if actions cannot reliably reveal character, then the very concept of character loses its meaning and coherence. This circular reasoning undermines the integrity of character as a construct, rendering it meaningless.
The circular error becomes evident when considering the role of universally accepted moral principles. For instance, most cultures and societies value traits like honesty, kindness, and integrity. These values are consistent and provide a common framework for evaluating character. If we discard these universal principles in favor of relativism, we eliminate the standard by which actions are judged. Consequently, actions can no longer serve as a true reflection of character, creating a logical paradox.
To maintain coherence, character must be understood as being rooted in actions that align with universal moral principles. This alignment ensures that character is consistently revealed through what people do, not just what they intend to do. It establishes a clear, objective standard for assessing character, free from the inconsistencies of relativism.
To argue that character is relative is to undermine its very essence. If character were subject to personal interpretation, then actions—the true indicators of character—would lose their meaning. Integrity would no longer be a reliable measure of trustworthiness, and empathy could be redefined to suit personal convenience. This erosion of foundational values jeopardizes trust, respect, and fairness in both personal relationships and broader societal structures.
Character and Leadership
In the realm of leadership, especially political leadership, the distinction between intentions and actions becomes even more critical. Leaders are judged not by their promises or stated intentions but by their tangible actions and the results they produce. Political leaders, in particular, wield significant influence over public policy, societal norms, and the overall well-being of their constituents. Therefore, their character, revealed through their actions, has profound implications.
Business, political, and community leaders often make grand promises and articulate noble intentions. However, the true test of their character lies in how they translate these intentions into concrete actions. A leader who consistently acts with integrity, transparency, and accountability builds trust and credibility. Conversely, a leader who fails to follow through on promises or acts in ways that contradict their stated values loses credibility and undermines public trust.
Integrity and Trust: Integrity is a cornerstone of strong leadership. Leaders must demonstrate honesty and ethical behavior in all their dealings. This means being truthful with the public, transparent about their actions, and accountable for their decisions. When leaders act with integrity, they foster trust among their constituents. Trust is vital for effective governance, as it encourages public cooperation and support for policies and initiatives.
Consistency and Reliability: Effective leaders are consistent in their actions and decisions. Consistency reinforces reliability and predictability, which are crucial for maintaining stability and confidence among the public. A leader whose actions align with their words is seen as dependable, while inconsistency can lead to confusion and disillusionment.
Accountability and Responsibility: Political leaders are accountable to the people they serve. This means taking responsibility for their actions, admitting mistakes, and making amends when necessary. Leaders who evade accountability or shift blame erode public confidence and fail to model the ethical behavior expected of them.
History offers us examples of leaders whose unwavering character has left an indelible mark. Nelson Mandela, through his steadfast commitment to justice and reconciliation, exemplified integrity and empathy in the face of immense adversity. Mahatma Gandhi’s dedication to non-violence and truth established him as a paragon of ethical leadership. In more recent times, leaders like Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand have demonstrated how empathy, transparency, and decisive action can inspire trust and foster a sense of shared humanity.
Conversely, the dangers of relativism in leadership are starkly illustrated in the figure of Donald Trump. By any objective measure, Trump stands as a model of bad character. His actions have consistently contradicted the ethical principles that define good character—integrity, honesty, empathy, accountability, and resilience. Trump’s tenure was marked by an alarming disregard for truth, a penchant for divisiveness, and a blatant prioritization of personal gain over public good. His frequent departures from honesty, whether in speech or policy, eroded trust on a national and global scale. The absence of empathy in his leadership style often translated into policies and rhetoric that alienated and harmed vulnerable communities.
Trump’s leadership exemplifies the dangers of viewing character as relative. When ethical standards are compromised for the sake of power, convenience, or personal interest, the integrity of leadership is lost, and the consequences ripple far beyond the individual. In Trump’s case, the erosion of these core values led to widespread division, mistrust, and a weakened moral fabric in public life.
Beware of Faux Virtue
Tenacity is often celebrated as a positive character trait, symbolizing perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering determination to overcome obstacles. However, it's important to recognize that tenacity alone doesn't inherently signify virtue. After all, even cockroaches are tenacious, surviving in the harshest conditions with relentless persistence. The true value of tenacity lies not just in the stubbornness to endure but in the purpose and ethical direction guiding that persistence. Without alignment with integrity, empathy, and other core values, tenacity can become a mere survival instinct rather than a mark of admirable character.
Here are several other traits that are often perceived as indicators of high character but, when not aligned with ethical principles or used in the wrong context, can actually be misleading or even harmful:
Ambition: Ambition is often admired as a sign of drive and determination. However, without a moral compass, ambition can lead to unethical behavior, such as exploitation, deceit, or ruthlessness in the pursuit of success.
Confidence: Confidence is typically seen as a positive trait, signaling self-assuredness and leadership. Yet, confidence without competence or humility can become arrogance, leading to poor decision-making and alienation of others.
Charisma: Charisma can be a powerful trait that inspires and attracts people. But when charisma is used to manipulate or deceive, it can lead to the elevation of leaders who lack true integrity or competence.
Decisiveness: Being decisive is often valued in leaders for the ability to make quick, firm decisions. However, decisiveness without consideration or empathy can lead to rash, harmful choices that disregard the well-being of others.
Independence: Independence is usually praised as a sign of self-reliance and strength. But when taken to extremes, it can manifest as a lack of collaboration or an unwillingness to accept help or input from others, leading to isolation and potentially flawed decisions.
What’s at Stake
When we allow leaders of low character to guide us, the consequences are dire and far-reaching. A society led by those who lack integrity, honesty, and empathy becomes fractured, trust erodes, and the social fabric weakens. Decisions driven by self-interest, deceit, or a disregard for ethical standards create an environment where corruption, division, and injustice thrive. The very foundation of trust—essential for any functioning community or nation—crumbles, leading to widespread cynicism and disillusionment. As history has shown, the rise of such leaders often precedes societal decay, where the erosion of moral values paves the way for authoritarianism, conflict, and suffering.
When we view character as relative, we open the door to moral disorder. If we allow ethical principles to be malleable and subjective, we lose the ability to hold leaders and ourselves accountable. This relativism permits the justification of harmful actions and erases the clear boundaries between right and wrong. Without a steadfast commitment to universal values, we risk descending into a world where power over is more prized than power with; where the ends justify the means, and where the most vulnerable are left unprotected. The result is a society that prioritizes power over justice, convenience over integrity, and expediency over empathy—a society that ultimately destroys itself from within.
Final Reminder
While character may manifest differently in each individual, the core principles that define good character—integrity, honesty, empathy, accountability, and resilience—are universal and constant. Recognizing and upholding these principles is essential for building trust, respect, and fairness in both personal and professional realms. But character is not something that happens by accident; it requires intentional inner work. It demands that you find the voice of your soul, understand your own biases, and recognize how these biases can make you susceptible to manipulation.
Moreover, if you find yourself in a position of power, it is crucial to understand what to do with that power. Power without character can corrupt and destroy, but power wielded with a deep sense of responsibility and ethical grounding can uplift and inspire.
My own experiences have shown me the cost of treating character as relative, especially in relationships, and have reinforced the importance of a consistent, principled approach. By remaining true to these values, individuals and leaders alike can navigate the complexities of life with a clear and ethical compass, ensuring that their actions promote a more just and equitable world.