Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught. ~J.C. Watts
What does it mean, and what does it tell you about yourself and others?
2006-11-01 04:49:09 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
It means that it takes character to do what's right whether or not a person will be recognized for doing so. A good person will do what is right, moral and just, regardless if they they benefit or take a loss from the situation.
He goes on to say that some people are of the mind set that it's OK to do bad things as long as you don't get caught.
If a person does the "right thing" no matter the circumstance he is a person of good morals, ethics and values. He a quality person.
2006-11-01 04:50:59 · answer #1 · answered by Corn_Flake 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is very true, character is the one thing no one can take from you it is what you develop of yourself. Your values, your morals, etc. Some people only want to live and they don't care who they step on to get there, not a very good character to have. And if they are caught then their true self is found out, if the are lacking a quality of character of course they would not want to be found out. however, if you have a quality character you are the same inside and out, therefore nothing to hide. god bless
2006-11-01 12:59:34 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That many people do things for themselves to get by from day to day even if its wrong, but it wont stop until they get caught.
Well it tells me about myself and others is that it states that we all do things in life that we shouldn't be doing but the only thing that may stop it is if we get caught.
A good example is say you stole from a store. Many people that still once will do it again. Until they get caught is when they might stop.
2006-11-01 12:54:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically - you need to show character even when no-one is looking - and not pretend to be someone you are not
Some people live to survive - they have the basics and get by day to day, whereas others go out there and live a life / do new things
people only think they have done something wrong if they get caught - but if they dont, they will continue doing it
2006-11-01 12:52:08 · answer #4 · answered by schmushe 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think it's spot on. Few people do good things without wanting some kind of award. And how many time do you hear that somebody's greatest sin was getting caught? It's a sad world we live in.
2006-11-01 13:21:54 · answer #5 · answered by Lynn K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means you would not lie, cheat and steal even if nobody was looking. I totally agree that the 'wrong' is to get caught. I've never met a felon who was remorseful for anything except getting caught.
2006-11-01 13:03:45 · answer #6 · answered by beez 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if there were no consequences, no laws, no fear of any reprisals for your actions, a person of good character would still do the right thing in any given situation.
2006-11-01 12:59:40 · answer #7 · answered by Brite Tiger 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Integrity.
2006-11-01 12:56:29 · answer #8 · answered by dannySATX 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That I have good character and what you said is true. If only others felt this way.
2006-11-01 12:53:40 · answer #9 · answered by CuervoBMed 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think its pretty self explanatory. be geniune and good all the time, not just because its the right thing to do.
2006-11-01 12:51:36 · answer #10 · answered by Bistro 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋