Character Building

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Swami Vivekananda roamed the country, preaching ideas and a new way of life, at the risk of being shunned by society. At time, people in our country were narrowing minded and superstitious. They did not want to listen to new ideas, but Vivekananda persisted with his teachings.

Socrates, as you will read in a later chapter, was condemned to death because he believed that knowledge was meant for everyone. He preferred to die rather than give up his belief.

Mahatma Gandhi gave up every thing to struggle for the freedom of his country.

These were men at different times and at different places, and yet they were alike. What do you think is similar about their characters? What are the qualities that each of them possessed, which gave them a character that we continue to respect and admire, even today?

These were honest men with determination and courage. They believed in themselves and believed in what they preached. Nothing could scare them away from working tenaciously and selflessly towards their goal. They were compassionate too, because they devoted and sacrificed their lives in improving the lives of their fellow-men.

A strong character does not belong to famous people alone. Noble and honorable qualities can be found amongst ordinary people too.

A sincere student who marks honestly and determinedly to wards achieving his or her goals is a person of strong character. But, the student who cheats, steals, and tells lies, is weak. If he does not mend his ways, he will grow up into a dishonest and dangerous person.

Doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, politicians and many others, have characters which are either to be admired or despised. Those who perform their duties honestly, in the service of others, are honorable men and women. Those, that are dishonest and deceitful, are not only cheating others, but cheating themselves as well.  

A strong character is built up on courage. By strong we are not referring to strength of body, but we mean strength of mind.

To be honest and sincere requires courage.

To be determined to do your duty, and to stand by your beliefs, requires courage.