Character Matters Essay Contest, 3rd Place, Middle School Division
To be beautiful, but supercilious, is nothing. To be intelligent, but disdainful, is nothing. To be talented, but rapacious, is also nothing. But to be a person of meritorious character, even if lacking beauty, intelligence, or talent, is everything. In life, you have two choices -the choice to do what is right and the choice to do the contrary. A person of character not only does what is right in the presence of others, but also does what is right in the absence of others. The greatest people in this world are not measured by their success, but rather by their values. We are all delivered into this world with nothing. It is what we do in life that determines whether we still have nothing, or, in fact, everything, when we are delivered out of this world.
It is quite a lucky thing to be a person born of superior beauty. However, if beauty is all you have, then what use is it? If your looks have you holding your chin up higher than your eyes, then you better be careful not to trip over your own pride. In a world revolved around material things, we must strain to keep our hearts right. By practicing good character, we are earning ourselves a lifetime of happiness. We cannot always count on things that we think will always be there. And we must never take anything for granted. Even after your looks have faded into the darkness of time and the grays of your past days, your inner beauty will forever and always be shining. Take the time to acquire that inner beauty. Become a benevolent, altruistic person to ensure that even after your money and appearance have dwindled, your family and friends will not have faded with them. Money cannot buy happiness, except for the little snippets of spurious joys that disappear as quickly as they come. Be a virtuous and kind human being, and happiness will come naturally. Show the world that you are capable of repaying back the life it has given you. Take what you are blessed with and turn it into something greater.
Even a lifetime of education cannot amount to the importance of one’s character. What is the point of attaining years and years of education, and in the end not making any use of it? Why flush it all down the toilet when you can turn that education into something that can benefit this world? So many people take school for granted these days, unaware that there are poor children in Africa and Asia who can’t even dream of going to school. Never take anything or anyone for granted. Embrace your life and all the gifts that come with it. Get somewhere in this world -not only through education, but through the uses of all the six pillars of character, and even beyond that. Look at all the great figures in history. Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Martin Luther King Jr., the Wright brothers, and Michael Jackson are just a few to name. These people did not get to where they did with just their intellect or their talents alone. They did it with perseverance and good character. They showed the world that life is not about pushing your way into success, but parting the crowd through justice, responsibility, respect towards others, and magnanimity. However, talent and brain is not always everything. I have met many magnificent people in my life who have not been blessed with a proper education, nor have they any notable talents, yet they are both inspiring and admirable because they shine from within where great character is embedded into their hearts. They earned love and admiration from others through their actions, not talents.
The day we learn how to live and love without hatred, jealousy, lies, and greed will be the day happiness arrives and stays in this world. Prove yourself trustworthy, be respectful to others, take responsibility for your actions, treat everyone fairly, help others in need, and practice civic virtues. Nothing else in this world is more important than good character. No amount of money, looks, intelligence, or talent will earn you happiness alone. Bring happiness to others, and others will bring happiness to you. Live, love, and forgive. “Make footprints worth following.” And always remember...character matters! May your true beauty shine through!
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