Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, once remarked: “Even if a person lacks education, has average abilities, and is impoverished, as long as they possess noble character, they will inevitably exert some influence, whether in the workshop, the accounting office, the marketplace, or the political arena.” As we navigate life, our greatest asset is not beauty or wealth, but good character. Good character is like an invisible asset, representing a person’s most solid strength.
Character is the best education
No matter how high one’s educational background is, it is challenging to go far without good character support. A teacher who taught English at a private school shared the following story.
When she first joined the private school, there was a class with poor discipline and terrible grades. No homeroom teacher was willing to take on this class. Unaware of the reasons, the school leadership assigned her to be the homeroom teacher. Being her first job after graduation, coupled with the class’s complex situation, the pressure was immense.
However, she did not give up. She gradually improved her class discipline, and her efforts paid off. After one semester, the class’s cohesion improved, and the student’s grades steadily increased. She noticed that her relationship with another female English teacher became very delicate at this time.
The other teacher, a graduate from a prestigious university, always felt superior. Jealous of her achievements, the teacher secretly sowed discord between her and her colleagues, spoke ill of her in front of students, and even leaked exam questions to students to outdo her.
Displeased with the behavior of the prestigious university graduate, the teacher submitted her resignation to the vice principal. The vice principal did not accept her resignation, but instead called her to the office and said: “We cannot miss out on a good teacher because of someone with poor character. Those with poor character do not deserve to remain in the teaching team.” Within a few days, the teacher from the prestigious university was dismissed.
There are many such people in life. Despite having high educational qualifications, their character leaves much to be desired. Such people, no matter how high their education or how strong their abilities are, will find it difficult to progress without good character as a foundation. Character is a person’s highest education. If one has a degree but lacks character, the degree is nothing more than a worthless piece of paper.
Kindness is the best business card
Doing good deeds with a kind heart and treating others well is fulfilling oneself. As a netizen aptly said: “Kindness is a person’s best business card. With kindness, one submits the most satisfactory answer during the probation period. Treat the world gently, and the world will return the favor with bright spring days. All good fortune in the world is merely the accumulation of your good conduct.”
Nobility is the best passport
In the Qing Dynasty, Jin Anqing was very talented, but had poor conduct, repeatedly embezzling public funds and amassing wealth. Upon hearing of his talent, the emperor wanted to promote him, but the ministers advised against it, saying: “This person has improper intentions.” Consequently, the emperor sent him back to his hometown to be strictly supervised by local officials.
Jin Anqing was not resigned to his fate and used his influence to rescue Lin Zexu from prison. Lin Zexu, grateful for his help, recruited him as an aide. However, it wasn’t long before Lin discovered that Jin was slick and deceitful, so he politely sent him away.
After Zeng Guofan was promoted, Jin Anqing sought an audience with him seven times, but he refused each time. When asked why, Zeng Guofan said: “Such people are like ghosts; it is best to keep a respectful distance.” Without virtue, even the best skills are futile. Ultimately, a person’s character is the best passport.
Zeng Guofan once said that only the cultivation of virtue and career can be relied upon. He regarded virtue and career as the foundation of life. He remained honest and diligent in politics and was not greedy for wealth or achievements. Someone once gifted him a piece of calligraphy by Wang Xizhi, but he returned it, saying he dared not accept it.
During the turbulent 10 years at the end of the Qing Dynasty, while some held positions without merit and others were dismissed or exiled, Zeng Guofan was promoted nine times, a testament to his noble character. As the saying goes: “If virtue does not match one’s position, disaster will follow; virtue must match one’s position for longevity.”
Life is like a small boat floating and sinking in the torrent of life. You must have a solid anchor to withstand various storms and navigate smoothly. Only good virtue can determine your destiny; only good virtue can safeguard your happiness. Throughout life, cultivating good character is essential to achieving a good life. As Lincoln said: “Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” Possessing good character is your greatest asset.
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
