Personality vs. Character

Personality Without Character Is Shallow And Brittle

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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:

False Dichotomies

The Overton Window

The Control-Concern-Focus Principle