Character has been defined as “the distinctive mark of an individual.” What that mark is going to be, depends partly upon nature, but largely on environment and training.
Children are initiative creatures, but they are also endowed with reason; and character is formed, first, by inculcating ideas of right and wrong in the minds of the young and, secondly, by the exercise on the part of the children of the reasoning power on questions of right and wrong.
All men more or less are the architects or builders of their own characters, and, if the structure is to be a fine one, the work must be commenced as early as possible.
Character depends upon imitation, tastes, talents and habits. Imitation, in the case of the young child, is instinctive and not connected with reason, but as he grows older he chooses what to imitate.
Then is the time for education to step in and point out what is worthy of imitation and what is unworthy, and thus he will learn to select the best models for imitation.
Ideals of self-control, courage, benevolence, truthfulness, honesty and purity, should constantly be held up for the admiration of the young. They should be encouraged to read the biographies of great men, that they may be inspired by their example.
It is to be remembered, however, that tastes and talents vary, and that children may not develop in the same direction and yet may be developing on right lines.
Thus, Benjamin West was inspired by a passion for painting, Mendelssohn lived for music, Stephenson was influenced by the steam engine at the pit’s mouth, and Pope began, as a child, to write imitations of the poets.
Just as the handwriting of no two children is alike, so no two characters are exactly similar, and different persons are attracted by different examples.
Though these diversities of taste should be allowed full scope, it should never be forgotten that honour, purity and charity should be the common aim of all, what-ever their talents.
Another important factor in the formation of character is habit. It is by habit that character is fixed, just as it is by conduct that it is indicated. The practice of shirking work quickly grows and, if allowed to obtain a firm hold, will be found most difficult to eradicate.
One lie will lead to another; the conscience will become accustomed to wounds and finally cease to protest. Indulgence in vice may, if frequently practiced, very quickly become almost a necessity, and so sap the powers that the vicious become a burden to themselves and to others.
On the contrary good habits, though more difficult to form than bad habits, are within the power of all who are not radically weak, and, once formed, will result in the production of a healthy man, a worthy citizen, a dutiful son and a wise father.