The Character Gauge

We all want to become a better person and where possible, help others to become better persons - there is no better way to change the world for the better.

But how do we know if we are growing in character? How can we assess a person's character? How can we be objective?

I propose two measures to gauge one's character:

1. Nobody-Centric

Don't be overly impressed by spectacular displays of courage, charity or love - it is difficult to determine the underlying motives of such actions.

One accurate external measure would be to observe how one treats the toilet-cleaner, waiter, sweeper, taxi driver or anyone who obviously isn't an asset in any imaginable way - in short, the nobodies. One can be nice to the handicapped to show off his compassion but it takes one with true character to pardon the clumsy waiter who spills soup on him.

“You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who can do nothing for them or to them.” - Malcolm S. Forbes (1919-1990) Publisher

"A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person." - Dave Barry, humor columnist

2. Self-Centric

Believe it or not, most of the time, we act in a certain way to impress people or simply to look "good" in front of people. It is only when we are alone that we exhibit our true character, eg. you wouldn't download illegal materials from the internet in front of your children.

So simply observe what you do when you're alone and you'll get a good idea of the kind of person you really are.

"Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking." - H. Jackson Browne, Writer

"Reputation is what you are in the light; character is what you are in the dark." - American Proverb