Character

Published on Jan 12, 2015 (updated Feb 5, 2024), filed under misc (feed). (Share this on Mastodon or Bluesky?)

A couple of weeks ago I read Samuel Smiles’ Character, a book extraordinarily useful and important. I think you’d like it.

Character is one of the greatest motive powers in the world. In its noblest embodiments, it exemplifies human nature in its highest forms, for it exhibits man at his best. Men of genuine excellence, in every station of life—men of industry, of integrity, of high principle, of sterling honesty of purpose—command the spontaneous homage of mankind.

The longer I’ve read, the more I’ve thought about the book, the greater has been the joy to explore, in wonderfully elaborate form, the ideal of good character, and similarly—though assuming, like you, to already possess—the values of honor and duty, and industry, integrity, self-control, and courage.

I’ve generally felt relieved to see parts of my somewhat cracked image of fellow men restored. Smiles writes about a great number of great men and their most exemplary traits and customs, how they led their lives, and what they gave to their people.

I’ve been worried, then, how much our societies have lost sight of character and values. Fueled by incomplete education, unprincipled politics, dishonest media, questionable advertising, structural competition, &c., when was the last time we heard, let alone thought about, indeed, character, but also honor, duty; industry, integrity, self-control, courage!

These ideals, that we’re here dusting off with a book from 1871, are not old-fashioned. They’re not outdated. They’re not irrelevant. I’m at the bottom of the pit with so many of us, rounded up by meaningless distractions, easily tempted to grab for defenses, but those ideas that Smiles shares, that must have influenced a great many great men in the past, are one extra guiding light, and a very welcome one at that.

As always, there’s more, and I’m sure to share again my own thoughts and observations. Which I say humbly, for you can tell by looking at the human condition that there’s still plenty to discover. Or to rediscover. As with values, and character.

I’m reading diligently and there’s a wealth of noteworthy literature. I’m still figuring out whether and how to share the books I find most inspiring—I usually stay silent—but if you’re interested in such recommendations, a few months ago I wrote about half a dozen books I’ve found most excellent so far.

About Me

I’m Jens (long: Jens Oliver Meiert), and I’m a web developer, manager, and author. I’ve been working as a technical lead and engineering manager for companies you’ve never heard of and companies you use every day, I’m an occasional contributor to web standards (like HTML, CSS, WCAG), and I write and review books for O’Reilly and Frontend Dogma.

I love trying things, not only in web development and engineering management, but also in other areas like philosophy. Here on meiert.com I share some of my experiences and views. (I value you being critical, interpreting charitably, and giving feedback.)