Our character is the basis upon which we interact with others. It dictates our behavior and our actions. There are very few activities that we do on a daily basis in which we are not directly interacting with someone. Can you recall a day when you did not see or speak to anyone? As human beings, we need to interact and associate with others. It is this need to belong that compels us to have friends and people we can interact with and feel accepted by. It is this same need to belong that compels adults to marry, raise families and allow people to form neighborhoods and communities. When a group of people live under a common body of laws and share common values and interests, they are called a society.
In the same way character shapes an individual, it can also shape society, which in turn, forms our nation. In essence, character can shape our world. A choice, either positive or negative, starts with one person, but can affect not only that person but also a family, society, and even the world.
We live in a society where our need to belong makes us interdependent upon one another. Because we rely on and need each other, our behaviors affect one another in both negative and positive ways. Our ability to affect each other is like a stone dropped into a pond causing one ripple after the next, each one larger than the one before.
Two of the most devastating results of negative character in our society and our world are violence and crime. The ripple effects from violence and crime have an impact on everyone. When a dishonest person steals someone's possessions, the crime of theft does not stop with the victim. The victim will most likely become afraid and overprotective of her other belongings. This fear and distrust will ripple outwards to her friends, their families and to her neighborhood.
For example, if your car was stolen from your front yard, you would surely call your neighbor. Your neighbor would call their neighbors who live in the vicinity and would let them know that they should safeguard their possessions. You would also tell your friends who would begin to be more careful about their own possessions. As more and more people become aware of this crime, greater precautions will be taken such as buying car alarms and other security measures. Measures could even be taken to establish Neighborhood Watch Organizations so that neighbors could watch out for the homes of others while they are away.
In the same way character shapes an individual, it can also shape society, which in turn, forms our nation. In essence, character can shape our world. A choice, either positive or negative, starts with one person, but can affect not only that person but also a family, society, and even the world.
We live in a society where our need to belong makes us interdependent upon one another. Because we rely on and need each other, our behaviors affect one another in both negative and positive ways. Our ability to affect each other is like a stone dropped into a pond causing one ripple after the next, each one larger than the one before.
Two of the most devastating results of negative character in our society and our world are violence and crime. The ripple effects from violence and crime have an impact on everyone. When a dishonest person steals someone's possessions, the crime of theft does not stop with the victim. The victim will most likely become afraid and overprotective of her other belongings. This fear and distrust will ripple outwards to her friends, their families and to her neighborhood.
For example, if your car was stolen from your front yard, you would surely call your neighbor. Your neighbor would call their neighbors who live in the vicinity and would let them know that they should safeguard their possessions. You would also tell your friends who would begin to be more careful about their own possessions. As more and more people become aware of this crime, greater precautions will be taken such as buying car alarms and other security measures. Measures could even be taken to establish Neighborhood Watch Organizations so that neighbors could watch out for the homes of others while they are away.
About the Author:
Kelsey Simon is a recognized expert in character and society. Visit Kelsey's blog where you'll find countless articles on how to develop character traits.
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