STORY
- Humility is the Foundation: Recognize your limits and flaws, and appreciate the vastness of the world beyond yourself. True humility leads to openness, learning, and genuine connection.
- Moral Fitness Matters More than Resume Values: Focus on developing your “eulogy virtues” like love, courage, and faith, rather than just “resume virtues” like intelligence and achievements.
- Engage in the Struggle for Good: Building character is a lifelong journey, not a destination. Embrace moral challenges, resist self-centeredness, and actively cultivate virtues.
- Practice “Long Obedience in the Same Direction”: Develop sustained commitment to your values, passions, and relationships. Resist the allure of shortcuts and instant gratification.
- Cultivate Humility through Faith and Rituals: Connect to something larger than yourself through spiritual practices and traditions. Rituals can remind you of your values and provide an anchor for moral development.
- Irony and Morality are Intertwined: Recognize the limitations of your own perspective and embrace self-deprecation. Humorous reflection can help you avoid hubris and connect with others.
- Find Your Calling and Live with Purpose: Identify your unique gifts and talents, and dedicate yourself to contributing meaningfully to the world. Your calling can provide direction and motivation.
- Build a Moral Community: Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you to be your best. Strong social bonds and accountability are essential for character development.
- Embrace the Gift of Mortality: Recognizing our own finitude can motivate us to make the most of our time and prioritize what truly matters.
- Pursue Holiness Over Happiness: Aim for living a good life, guided by moral principles and values, rather than solely chasing fleeting happiness.
- Find Meaning in Suffering: Learn from challenges and setbacks. Difficulties can refine character, build resilience, and deepen your understanding of the world.
- Embrace the Joy of Moral Stumbling: Accept that mistakes and imperfections are inevitable. Forgive yourself, learn from your errors, and keep striving for progress on the road to character.
These are just some of the powerful lessons. In , building character is a continuous journey, not a one-time destination. Keep these lessons in mind and actively commit to your own moral development.
