Character building is a term that caters to a desire for visual aids. The term conjures up images of workers creating a structure such as a wall, a home, or on a larger scale, construction workers at the site of a rising skyscraper. For most of us, the underlying thought is that the structure, small or large, must be strong and enduring, able to withstand earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons, and whatever else life throws its way. This and more is conveyed by two words: character building.

Character building as a term may have a much different origin, but the act of building character has strong parallels to the construction of a wall. Anyone can build a wall, of blocks or character, but only a careful worker can build a strong, enduring wall. Here I offer basic directions for your character wall.

Begin by planning the wall: setting character goals. Next, stretch a line of absolute moral values as a guide to keep the wall straight, to keep it from snaking back and forth across moral ground. Dig out the foundation, removing wrong concepts of character and filling in with strong, accurate concepts. Tamp these concepts repeatedly to give your wall a firm base. After tamping, pick up a single block of character, look it over carefully, get to know what it will do for the wall, and set it firmly in place. Use your level on the character block, and hammer the trait where needed until it is straight and firm in its base. One block at a time, repeat this action until the base row or character is laid. Now, keeping your wall straight in all directions, stack additional character traits, binding the blocks firmly together with a mortar blended of thoroughness and determination. When you are done, and the mortar has hardened, you should have a wall that will last a lifetime.