Unit 69 Why Character Counts? Some time ago I was asked to consult for a bank that was having a problem with employee morale. "I don't know what's wrong," complained their young president. Bright and ambitious, he'd risen through the ranks only to see his institution faltering. He blamed his employees. "No matter what incentives I provide," he said, "they won't shake off this gloom." He was right. The atmosphere seemed poisoned with suspicion and lack of trust. But no one would tell me the source o this distrust. Finally the truth emerged. The boss, who was married, was having an affair with an employee. And everyone knew it. It was obvious now that the company's poor performance was caused by his conduct. But the greatest damage the man was doing was to himself. He was thinking only of his own gratification, disregarding long-term consequences. Moreover, he had violated the trust with his wife. In a word, his failing was one of character. Today it is out of vogue to speak in terms of character. But there is no more essential aspect of any person. Character is made up of those principles and values that give your life direction, meaning and depth. These constitute your inner sense of what's right and wrong based not on the rules of conduct but on who you are. They include such trait as integrity, honesty, courage, fairness and generosity -- which arise from the hard choices we have to make in life. So wrong is simply in doing wrong, not in getting caught. Yet some people wonder if our inner values matter anymore. After all, hasn't our noted bank executive succeeded in every visible way, despite his faults? This question demonstrates a quandary of our modern life. Many have come to believe that the only things we need for success are talent, energy and personality. But history has taught us that in the long run, who we are is more important than who we appear to be. During the nation's first century and a half, almost everything in the literature of success and self-help focused on what could be called the character ethic. Such famous figures as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson made clear their belief that we can only experience true success and happiness by making character the bedrock of their lives. After we moved into the industrial age, the basic view of success shifted to what we could call the personality ethic. Success becomes more a function of charm, skills and techniques that, at least on the surface, smooth the process of human interaction. Rather than struggle with thorny issues of right and wrong, we turned to making things run smoothly. Some of that philosophy expressed itself with harmless but superficial maxims such as "smiling wins more friends than frowning". Other ideas were clearly deceptive -- faking interest in other's hobbies so they will like you, for instance. With a value system based solely on skill and personality, we find heroes in athletes, musicians and in powerful business executives. But despite the admiration we feel for these achievers, we shouldn't necessarily look upon them as role model. While skill is certainly needed for success, it can never guarantee happiness and fulfillment. These come from developing character. What become of the bank president who was involved sexually with an employee? He confessed to his wife, who forgave him. Then he called a meeting of his staff and addressed their morale problem. "I have found the cause of the problem," he said. "It is me. I'm asking you to give me another chance." It took time, but eventually employee morale -- a sense of openness, optimism and trust -- improved. In the end the executive was finding his own path to character.
国际英语资讯:Gene editing offers hope for curing sickle cell anemia
2016年世界教师日致辞
国内英语资讯:Interview: Cambodian politicians, scholars hail Chinese President Xis signed article on Si
权力的游戏:强者都具备这11点特质
国内英语资讯:China, Cambodia to forge ahead with cooperation, ties
特朗普抨击不再支持他的共和党人
国内英语资讯:Chinese vice premier stresses development of venture capital
国内英语资讯:China Focus: Premier Li wraps up Macao visit, announces support measures
国内英语资讯:Xi pledges to strengthen party-to-party exchanges with Bangladesh
国际英语资讯:Yemens Houthi rebels deny loss of border crossing
联合国人权事务高级专员:川普将是“危险的”总统
联合国秘书长潘基文2016年世界精神卫生日致辞
国内英语资讯:Chinese president, Papua New Guinea governor-general exchange congratulations on anniversary
国内英语资讯:Xi leaves for Cambodia, Bangladesh, BRICS summit
国内英语资讯:Full text of Chinese presidents signed article in Cambodian newspaper
国际英语资讯:Hollande, Merkel, Putin discuss how to implement Minsk peace deal
国内英语资讯:Xiangshan Forum reaches consensus on maritime security
联邦调查局调查克林顿竞选负责人电邮被黑事件
国内英语资讯:China, Cambodia agree to advance close ties
国内英语资讯:Dhaka gets facelift as euphoric reception awaits Chinas Xi to Bangladesh
国内英语资讯:Chinese president sends message of condolences over passing of Thai King
国际英语资讯:Crown Prince asks for appropriate time to be enthroned: Thai PM
美国袭击也门目标报复导弹袭击
国内英语资讯:Premier Li calls for creating better future of Macao
联合国即将任命新秘书长
有什么行之有效的学习习惯?
国内英语资讯:Premier Li reiterates efforts to boost innovation, entrepreneurship
A Post Card from John
它可能是世上最惨的大熊猫 吃垃圾没人管 心酸
Tom’s Holiday
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |