Personality Without Character Is Shallow And Brittle
In a world where social dynamics dominate, we habitually focus on how we appear to those around us. From reputation-based career paths to the power of social status and, of course, our social media “selves” — we’re on constantly on display. Deliberately and unavoidably.
But what exactly is on display?
Personality. Not Character.
Personality
A complex function of techniques, success, public image, attitudes, behaviors, and skills.
Goal: Get social recognition for your talents and achievements.
Orientation: Inward.
Character
A simple function of basic principles that guide your decisions.
Goal: act with integrity, in line with your deeply held values — regardless of circumstance.
Orientation: Outward.
Personalities without characters are shallow and brittle. Strong characters build great personalities.
You can fake personality. You can’t fake character.
In a world that incentivizes the display of personality but rewards strong foundations of character, strong inward principles and values become rocket fuel for a successful outward image.
Don’t confuse the order.
“What you are shouts so loudly in my ears that I cannot hear what you say.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
3 other concepts you will gain an advantage from: