Does Character Still Matter?

Rediscovering the virtues that shaped our leaders — and what they can still teach us today.

John Adams’ Blessing Carved into the State Dining Room Mantel by Michael Geissinger, c. 1945 (public domain - White House Historical Association)

“It’s not by strength or speed or swiftness of body that great deeds are done, but by wisdom, character, and sober judgment.”
― Marcus Tullius Cicero

Yesterday was Veterans Day, which brought to mind the selfless service of so many men and women in the armed forces, standing up for a principle more powerful than any single person.

In his celebrated commencement speech at West Point in 1962,¹ General Douglas MacArthur noted the motto of the school (“Duty. Honor. Country.”) contained virtues that were important because “they build character.”

For me, character has been a guiding light for as long as I can remember. It began at home, where kindness, curiosity, hum…