Character Is Destiny : The Value of Personal Ethics in Everyday Life

by Russell Gough

An inescapable truth lies at the heart of this simple yet profound The quality of our lives is not determined by the happenstance of genetics or by the influence of environment; it is not measured in material possessions or in the trappings of youth; it is not dependent on personality or social acclaim. On the contrary, the intrinsic value of the lives we lead reflects the strength of a single our personal character. Character Is Destiny, a sort of self-help guide for the soul, shows how we can lead richer lives simply by being better people.
"This profound book reminds us how utterly central character is to all else in life . . . I plan to stay in touch with this book for many years." — Shelby Steele
Russell W. Gough, a nationally prominent writer and speaker, describes the steps to personal growth from examining our lives to taking responsibility for our actions, from discarding selfishness to embracing the greater good, from becoming a better role model for our loved ones to finding the courage to do the right thing naturally and consistently. By cultivating the habits of virtue, we will strengthen not only ourselves but, more important, our families and our world. Character Is Destiny shows how to overcome the most formidable obstacle to an ethical ourselves.
Each and every day we are faced with scores of choices that, in subtle yet discernible ways, can either enrich or impoverish our personal character. The choices we make, and the manner in which we make them, illuminate the paths our lives will take. Character Is Destiny can be our compass.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, School

192 pages, Hardcover

First published August 28, 1997

Reviews

[Bonnie Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

A clear, concise, and simple appeal to personal ethics. This is a great book to read and discuss with a young adult.

[Chloe ✿ Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars)
This was a pretty good, thought-provoking book. It gave you a lot to think about, and had many valid points. I think I should read it again eventually, but not for a couple years.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished this book. I must say it isn't for people who don't want to evaluate themselves. There is a lot of truth to the message that the writer is conveying, and I think everyone can relate to it. We as individuals not only have a personality but a character of sorts, whether it be ethical or unethical, regardless, this book confronts both good and bad character and explains not only how to better it, but how to see the difference between personality and character.
My favorite idea from this book was that once you've eliminated bad habits or bad character you can't just go on your way and expect everything to be different, you now have to replace that bad habit or character flaw with good habits and good character.
My favorite quote from the book is, "Character is what you are in the dark". We're so used to being judged for the things we do wrong, that sometimes our own intentions are not to do the right thing, but to be seen doing the right thing so as to avoid consequences. It's definitely a matter of the heart, and this book allows people to truly identify their raw intentions which will birth their choices.
The style of writing could be a bit detailed at times, but it was very explicit and gave analogies that were easily understood and reiterated the main ideas a lot. I think there is value in reading this book, especially if you are truly seeking good character and correction for bad habits or simply negative behavior.

[Poiema · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about ethics that I found wise, readable, and very conducive to great discussions with my high school student. The author has taught college level courses on the subject of ethics and has distilled his philosophy carefully and logically. He begins by defining the difference between personality and character. Pop culture has muddied the waters here, emphasizing personality traits and promoting the (inaccurate) belief that you are born with a set of traits that cannot be changed. In contrast, virtue has always been the worthy goal of classicists and that can still be achieved WITH EFFORT. That effort begins with the examined life and progresses to include choosing a role model, practicing the doing of good to the extent that it becomes habit, treasuring virtue above intellect, willfully selecting what we choose to think about, and self-evaluating. Not written from a Christian perspective, I found the book nonetheless very compatible with my Christian worldview. A great resource for teens and a great "checkup" for older readers. We can so often complain about the world decaying morally, but need rather to pursue excellence of character within ourselves first.

[Lidik · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't the most eloquent book I've ever read, but still not bad.

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was SO good!! genuinely reccommend for anybody, but especially those looking for a good self-help book.

[Ailie Baumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent. I read thus alongside my teenage son and we've had deep discussions as well as life experiences to practise some of the principles in this book. This book is a must read.

[Lesley Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preread for my 13 year old to read in the coming years. Good content. A bit dry but it is worth reading.

[Rachael Knudsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A winning Reader's Digest-style compilation that tells the stories of some of the greatest heroes of our time. The chapters help you to take a step back and assess how the merits of your character lead you to success especially in being a kinder/more dynamic/curious person. Buy and share this one with friends and family, even if it's just a chapter at a time.

[athenaowl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the adult group discussion on this Ambleside high-school book recommendation for Tori and Tallis to read and review this fall.

Great book for personal accountability of character reflection. I alone am responsible for my character. It is not my personality, but my character that is my destiny.

[MK Shealy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read, could have been a lot shorter and just as effective.

[Bailey Noah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only read this for school. DID NOT LIKE IT.

[Tyler Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read over and over. Way to live your life