CHAPTER 6
Character
Character rests on dignity
Grappling with what it means to be human
Character sounds so old-fashioned. Personality is our preoccupation. Yet character is before us every day, chiefly when it is lacking in leaders. We read of bishops who abused children or protected those who did. Of politicians in scandal. Of bankers whose greed wiped out the savings of millions. Of unspeakable brutalities by despots against their own people.
The wisdom traditions looked to character to steady and guide us as we face the unknown, ambiguous, fearful, and seductive:
What sort of person, long term, am I becoming by my decisions?[1]
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