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List
of Character Traits
by
Dennis Houston, parent of two
List
of character traits for study, curiosity, argument, amusement, or - I pause
dramatically - for application to your life? The question was created for a teen,
but it is telling for any of us. Why do we seek a list of character traits? What
do we do with a list of character traits? Why create such a list? What assurance
do we have that a given list is complete? What is the benchmark of a good list
of character traits? You might want to ponder those questions.
List
of character traits is a phrase that is used with an air of knowledge among
those of us who are interested in character building, or are engaged in character
education in the schools. Surprisingly, the significance of such a list, indeed
the meaning of the term character trait is often missing in discussions of such
lists. We function with a vague understanding at best. |
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Character
traits are distinguishing qualities of character - the fruit that tells you what
kind of tree you're seeing. Lists of character traits can be childlike in wording
and contain only a limited number of traits, or they may be carefully crafted
and include many traits. Most will include at least: caring, compassion, cooperation,
courage, fairness, honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, and self-control.
I personally use the list available at www.character-in-action.com.
A
list of character traits may seem to have overlapping traits, or be redundant
if it is extensive. This is the result of a meticulous seeking after accuracy.
Honesty, for example, is not the same thing as integrity, and vice versus. But
returning to my initial question….
List
of character traits for study, curiosity, argument, amusement, or - I pause
dramatically even now - for application to your life? Such a list can be very
useful for setting goals and striving to have well-rounded character. Find a good
one, and use it well. |
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