Beyond Tangible Possessions: The Value of Personality Over Materialism
Written by: Jhon Abaga, Admin/Creator – Life Exploration
Date updated: September 17, 2023
Date Published: June 29, 2020
In a materialistic world, we can quickly become engrossed in the need for concrete objects. However, when it comes to real value and significance, the character and personality of a person far outweigh any material goods they may possess.
A few months ago, I read "Catch Me If You Can," a novel by Frank W. Abagnale. While reading, a statement caught my attention. "It's not what a man has, but what a man is that is important," it stated.
It clearly means that the character and personality of a person are more valuable than the tangible things they have.
……….
Following that, a person must construct well-organized manners that adhere to the ideals and concepts created in his ways of thinking and acting. That is where a person's personality and character may be observed in many events and circumstances. (Zapater, 2013).
While material things may bring transient joy, an individual's intangible traits have a long-term impact on their personal well-being and the lives of people around them.
The personality will reflect a person's actions, either good or bad. Your action reveals who you are—what you do defines you. A person must behave based on values to develop the good moral character a person must possess—being a person of good character. It encompasses traits such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and resilience. These qualities are not acquired through material wealth but are built through experience, personal growth, and self-reflection.
According to Chapman (2018), everyone cannot change anything about their physical self but can change their character, and it will have an immense impact on your life, rather than those expensive things you acquire for yourself. Possessions may attract temporary attention, but the individual's character fosters loyalty, trust, and deep connections with others.
It is not the gleaming pearls, diamonds, or gold hanging in your arms and neck—it is who you are. People with strong character traits are respected and admired, as they consistently display qualities that inspire and uplift those around them.
The excellent things we do because of our values outweigh financial or physical objects—humility, love, compassion, honesty, kindness, and dedication to others are more valuable than money and material belongings—your personality is the one that matters.
You can lose the jewels and dimes in your pockets. On the other hand, a decent personality and character cannot be lost—your good moral character, pleasant personality, and values are the wealth a person must have—it is one that money can't buy.
"Waste no time arguing about a good man should be. Be one"
References
Abagnale, Frank W., & Redding, Stan. (2002). Catch Me If You Can: The True Story of a
Real Fake. First Broadway Books Movie Tie-in edition. Broadway Books. Page 19.
ISBN 0-7679-0638-5.
Chapman, Chuck. (2018, March). 25 Virtues Found in the Good of Men. The Good Men
Project. Retrieved From https://goodmenproject.com/ethics-values/25-virtues-
found-in-the-best-of-Men-fiff/
Zapater, Miguel. (2013, June). Values, Personality, and Character. The Patriotic Vanguard.
Retrieved From http://www.thepatrioticvanguard.com/values-personality-and-
character
Have you seen the 1st - 3rd Article? If not yet, you can always read them here:
Article 1: Converting Your Plans into Meaningful Actions
Article 2: Life: Meaning We Can Create
Article 3: Don’t Wait Before It’s Too Late
Make the most out of your time here! Below are the links to the following articles of Life Exploration for you to indulge in. Feel free to explore them also.
Enjoy your reading!
Article 4: Beyond Tangible Possessions: The Value of Personality Over Materialism
Article 5: The Person Underneath The Mask
Article 6: The Goodness Inside of Us
Article 7: Focus on Your Own Footsteps
Article 8: Practical Ways to Achieve Success
Article 9: Build Your Confidence: Increase Your Self-Esteem and Stop Self-Hatred
Article 10: Face Your Fears: You’re In Control
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