The way we treat people we think can't help or hurt us - like housekeepers, waiters, and secretaries - tells more about our character than how we treat people we think are important. How we behave when we think no one is looking or when we don't think we will get caught more accurately portrays our character than what we say or do in service of our reputations.

Character is made up of core moral principles called the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, fairness and citizenship. Each of these virtues are independently important but together they provide the foundation for a worthy life.

Nothing about character is hereditary. Everyone, regardless of social background, financial status, race, or sex, enters the world with an equal opportunity to become a person of great or petty character.

A caring heart that listens is often more valued than an intelligent mind that talks.

Good character is the single most important attribute of a successful and worthy life.

It's easier to make a good person better than to make a bad person good.

Character is ethical and moral strength. People of good character have the moral awareness and strength to know the good, love the good and do the good.