The Idea
Contributed by @philhagspiel | Edited and curated by @philhagspiel
We can act with a focus on how to appear (personality) or on how to be (character).
Self-Perception
Life Values
Taking Action
In a world where social dynamics impact much of our reality, how we appear to those around us matters. Because of reputation-based career paths and the relevance of social status we naturally gravitate towards focusing on appearance.
Personality is a complex function of techniques, success, public image, attitudes, behaviors, skills. You aim to get social recognition for your talents and achievements.
Character is a simple function of basic principles. You aim at acting with integrity, in line with your deeply held values — regardless of circumstance.
“What you are shouts so loudly in my ears that I cannot hear what you say.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Go Deep
- 🎥 Watch this short explanation video on the concept of personality vs. character by Stephen Covey.
- 📝 A few more ideas about this concept can be found here.
Go Beyond
A few further resources you might like if you find above idea interesting:
- 📚 Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
- 📚 Scott Peck’s The Road Less Travelled
- 📚 James P. Carse’s Finite & Infinite Games
- 🎙 Podcast: Philosophize This!
- 🀄️ Card Deck: Best Self Self-Discovery Decks
- 📝 MindVault: Maps Aren’t Territories
- 📝 MindVault: Happiness Isn’t Math