Character: The Cornerstone of our Nation
Ladies and gentlemen, faculty, and fellow 2001 graduates, welcome and thank you for
being here. We are about to step foot in a world that revolves around material possessions and
personal pleasures, where character often plays a diminished role. One of the most important
changes that our generation could make would be to build character among ourselves and future
True character comes from within and is not defined by one's possessions, status, race,
religion, or outward appearance. As an ancient proverb states, " I would rather be adorned by
beauty of character than by jewels. Jewels are the gift of fortune, while character comes from
within." However, character does show on ones' face. This is exemplified in the story of an
elderly Quaker woman with a beautiful complexion. When asked what kind of cosmetic she used,
she replied, " I use for my lips, truth; for my voice, prayer; for my eyes, pity; for my hands,
charity; for my figure, uprightness; for my heart, love. This prescription can be filled without
expense, and the supply will increase with continued use." It is our job as the future of America
to promote this character-building philosophy and the importance of inner beauty.
We should never underestimate the influence of one individual's character on an entire
nation or even the world, whether it be positive or negative. For example, Mother Theresa's and
Martin Luther King , Jr.'s steadfast beliefs and strong morals influenced many and brought about
changes which made our world a better place. On the other hand, Adolph Hitler's overwhelming
negative influence resulted in the wrongful deaths of millions of innocent victims. Furthermore,
the depth of one's character is oftentimes masked by everyday persona. A quote by Thomas
Babington Macaulay states, " The measure of a man&a...