Character Formation,

Nationalism and Patriotism

MARY GRACE L. VILLAR

 Preliminaries
• An unknown author once said a forewarning that, as human
beings,
“We have to be careful of our thoughts, for it will become the
source of our words; we have to be careful of our words, for it
will become our deeds; our deeds, will become our habits, our
habits, will become our character, and our character, will
become our destiny. “
• In the present world, it is the character that counts not
the intellect and the acquired abilities and skills.
• It is the character that highlights professionalism not the
professional license and certificates awarded by the
professional organizations and the Government
Professional Regulatory Commission.
• According to Prasad Nanda, character is the solid
foundation on which a person’s entire life is based.
People who succeed in achieving their goals and
ambitions are those who have a good character. Thomas
Edison whose inventions changed the world or it was
Abraham Lincoln who was president of the United
States, or Gandhi the lone crusader of nonviolence, or
Mother Theresa who chose to do social work they all
had one thing in common- they were all people of
character.
• Thus, character is the magic ingredient that sets
you apart from the rest . Our character will
determine our success and each of us has the
ability and the potential to develop and
strengthen our character.
 GENERAL CONCEPTS OF CHARACTER

• The term was derived from the Greek word “charassein,”

referring to an engraving instrument.
• Character is defined as a psychological notion that refers to
all the habitual ways of feeling and reacting of a person
that distinguish one individual from another. It is the
trademark of being a person.
 What is character formation?
• Character formation as defined by Donald (2006), is the
process by which the individual, through interaction of
biologically transmitted predispositions with the
environment, develops stable pattern of functioning,
thinking and feeling. It is also known as, Character
Building.
 Contributing factors for character formation

1. Parental Influence
Parental influence is the most important of
all the factors responsible for the personality
development.
2. Home Environment
Home as cradle of human character and
personality largely contribute to the
character formation of a child.
3. School Environment
To perfect the total development of a child’s
character and attitude, besides the home
environment, a child’s school environment too plays
a major role in shaping a child’s personality. Once a
child starts to going to school, he learns how to
interact and deal with his peers.
4. Culture
Everyone has different character and values
because of the different cultures where
everyone is exposed.
 Factors that influence Filipino character formation
1. Home environment 6. Religion

2. Social environment 7. Economic environment

3. Culture and language 8. Political environment
4. History 9. Mass media
5. Educational system 10. Leadership and role model
 Determining character or personality types

Five (5) Factors that Determine Character or Personality Traits.

1. Openness: appreciation for variety of experiences.
2. Conscientiousness: planning ahead rather than being
spontaneous.
3. Extraversion: being sociable, energetic and talkative.
4. Agreeableness: being kind, sympathetic and happy to help.
5. Neuroticism: inclined to worry or be vulnerable or
temperamental.
 General types of characters

1. Positive Character/ Good Character/ Positive Trait- These are

attributes such as integrity, honesty, courage, loyalty, fortitude,
and other important virtues that promote good behavior and
habits. Further, it is said that:

a. Being honest and taking responsibility for your actions are

admirable qualities.
b. Adaptability and compatibility are great traits that can help
you get along with others.
c. Drive and determination will help you keep going no
matter what.
d. Compassion and understanding mean you relate well to
others.
e. Patience is a virtue and also a good personality trait.
f. Loyalty is a good quality to possess, making others trust
you.
2. Negative Character/Negative Trait – a person’s predisposition
to commit evil acts.

a. A propensity for lying, in order to avoid

responsibility for our actions, is a deplorable quality
b. Being rigid and selfish, unyielding to the needs of
others are not endearing qualities.
c. Being full of laziness and excuses is sure to drive
others away, too.
d. A hot temper and an inability to empathize with others
will also alienate us from others.
e. Being quick to anger will turn people away.
f. Being disloyal, quick to talk about others behind their
backs or, worse, stab them in the back or personal gain
also falls high on the scale of negative personality traits.
 3. Neutral character/ neutral traits

-Commonly used to describe a person who doesn’t pick sides in

disputes; neutral also pegs anything that refuses to be bold.
a. Judges, for example, must remain totally neutral when
hearing a case.
b. Manners mavens say that it’s best to remain neutral when
topics like politics and religion come up during a party.
c. Boxers can look to the neutral corners in the ring to escape a
punch.
 Types of characters

1. Self-realized Character. A person with this type of

character is very enthusiastic for he knows his
potentialities and limitations. This sort of a character is
an asset not only to the family but also the society in
which person lives.
2. Covetous Character. This refers to a jealous or
acquisitive character.
3. Superstitious Character.
4. Egoistic/ Overbearing/Bossy/Tall-Talker. The person
who thinks that world runs due to him and everything
and everybody should respect him as such.
5. Anti-social Character. A person who neither cares for
the norms set by the society nor cares for the moral or
ethical values is an anti-social character.
6. Insincere Character. When a person does something
good for us, we express our sincere thanks and go extra
mile in being sincere to that person in whatever way it is
possible for us. Contrarily, a person who thinks others is
there for serving him and is without any warmth in the
feeling for others.
7.Complacent Character. We all should have
confidence on ourselves. It is good for day to
day functioning.
The six (6) pillars of good character
1. Trustworthiness
this is the pillar of good character that is considered
the most complicated of the six core ethical values and
concerns a variety of qualities like honesty, integrity,
reliability and loyalty.
When a person is trusted he is given a greater leeway
and no need to be monitored just to assure that they
meet their obligations.
a.Honesty
There is no more fundamental ethical value
than honesty. Honesty is associated with honor.
Thus, a person of honesty is a person of honor
and he is admired and trusted because of his
being straightforward.
 Five dimensions of honesty
1. Truthfulness. Presenting the facts to the best of our
knowledge.
2. Sincerity. One must observe genuineness, being without
trickery or duplicity for it precludes all acts, including half-
truths, out-of-context statements, and even silence, that
are intended to create beliefs or leave impressions that are
intended to create beliefs or leave impressions that are
untrue or misleading.
3. Candor. In relationships involving legitimate expectations of
trust, honesty may also require
4. Integrity.
Persons of integrity are those who acts according to
his beliefs, not according to expediency. He is also
consistent. There is no difference in the way he
makes decisions from situation from situation to
situation; his principles don’t vary at work or at
home, in public or alone.
5. Reliability.
(Promise Keeping). Reliable persons are those
who keep their promises for he believe that doing
so create legitimate basis for another person to
rely on him, and that he undertake special moral
duties. They accept the responsibility of making
all reasonable efforts to fulfil their commitments
because promise-keeping is such an important
aspect of trustworthiness.
Considerations to maintain reliability

1. Avoid Bad-Faith Excuses

Interpret your promises fairly and honestly. Don’t try
to rationalize non-compliance.
2. Avoid Unwise Commitments
Before making a promise consider carefully whether you
are willing and likely to keep it. Think about unknown or
future events that could make it difficult, undesirable or
impossible. Sometimes, all we can promise is to do our
best.
3. Avoid Unclear Commitments
Be sure that when you make a promise, the other
person understands what you are committing to do.
b. Loyalty
To be trusted one must be loyal to his or husband
or wife, friends, employer, employee, organization,
citizen, and country.
2. RESPECT
The Golden Rule in Human Relation, “Do unto others as
you would have them do unto you,” perfectly illustrates
“respect.” When respect is observed we would prevent and
pre-empt violence, humiliation, manipulation and
exploitation. It reflects notions such as civility, courtesy,
decency, dignity, autonomy, tolerance and acceptance.
 Qualities of a respectful person

1. Ability to Listen- When somebody is talking he is

attentively listening
2. Treats Others With Consideration- Respectful person
doesn’t resort to intimidation, coercion or violence except in
extraordinary and limited situations to defend others, teach
discipline, maintain order or achieve social justice. They
allow all individuals, including maturing children, to have a
say in the decisions that affect them.
3. Capable of Accepting Individual differences and
Beliefs -
Respectful individuals without prejudice openly accepts
principles and ideologies of others. They judge others only
on their negative character, abilities and conduct
3. RESPONSIBILITY
Being responsible means to take charge and be
accountable of the consequences of what we
think and do.
 Qualities of a responsible person

a. Sense of Accountability
An accountable person leads by example and
doesn’t shift blame or claim credit for the work of
others. He considers the likely consequences of his
behaviour and associations
b. Pursuit of Excellence
Responsible person shows diligence what he is doing,
careful in his actions, prepared and informed. They
finished what they started, overcoming rather than
surrendering to obstacles. They avoid excuses such as,
“That’s just the way I am,” or “It’s not my job,” or “It was
legal,” and always look for ways to do their work better.
c. Self-Restraint
Responsible people exercise self-control, restraining passions
and appetites (such as lust, hatred, gluttony, greed and fear) for
the sake of longer-term vision and better judgement. They
delay gratification if necessary and never feel it’s necessary to
“win at any cost.” They realize they are as they choose to be,
every day.
4. FAIRNESS
This pillar of good character involve issues of equality,
impartiality, proportionality, openness and dude process.
It is unfair to handle similar matters inconsistently, and to
impose punishment that is not commensurate with the
offense.
5. CARING
Caring is the heart of ethics, and ethical decision
making. It is scarcely possible to be truly ethical and yet
unconcerned with the welfare of others. That is because
ethics is ultimately about good relations with other
people.
6. CITIZENSHIP
This pillar of good character includes civic virtues and
duties that prescribe how we ought to behave as part of a
community. The good citizen knows the laws and obeys
them. He volunteers and stays informed on the issues of the
day, the better to execute his duties and privileges as a
member of a self-governing democratic society.
 Character traits
1. Alertness- Being aware of what is taking place
around
2. Attentiveness- Showing the worth of a person or
task by giving undivided concentration.
3. Availability- Making own schedule and priorities
secondary to the wishes of those being served.
4. Benevolence- Giving to others basic needs without the
motivation for acquiring personal rewards.
-Pagtulong sa iba na walang hinihinging kapalit
5. Boldness- Confidence that what is say or do is true,
right, and just.
5. Cautiousness- Knowing how important right timing is in
accomplishing right actions.
6. Compassion- Investing whatever is necessary to
heal the hurts of others.
7. Contentment- Realizing that true happiness does
not depend on material conditions.
8. Creativity- Approaching a need, a task, or an idea
from a new perspective.
9. Decisiveness- The ability to recognize key factors and
finalize difficult decisions.
-easy to decide in a difficult situation
10. Deference – Limiting freedom so not offend the tastes of
others.
-paggalang
11. Dependability – Fulfilling what is consented to do, even it
means unexpected sacrifice.
12.Determination – Purposing to accomplish right goals
at the right time, regardless of the opposition.
13.Diligence – Investing time and energy to complete
each task assigned.
14.Discernment – Understanding the deeper reasons
why things happen.
15.Discretion – Recognizing and avoiding words,
actions, and attitudes that could bring undesirable
consequences.
16.Endurance- The inward strength to withstand
stress and do the best.
17.Enthusiasm- Expressing joy in doing and
accomplishing each tasks.
19.Faith – Confidence that actions rooted in good
character will yield the best outcome, even when its
not personally observed.
20.Flexibility – Willingness to change plans and ideas
according to the direction of the authorities.
21.Forgiveness – Clearing the record of those who have
wronged and not holding a grudge.
22.Generosity – Carefully managing resources to
be capable of freely giving to those in need.
23.Gentleness – Showing consideration and
personal concern to others.
24.Gratefulness – Letting others know by one’s
words and actions how they have benefited
one’s life.
25.Honor – Respecting those in leadership because of the
higher authorities they represent.
26.Hospitability – Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, or
conversation to benefit others.
27.Humility – Acknowledgement the achievement result
from the investment of others in one’s life.
28.Initiative – Recognizing and doing what needs
to be done before being asked to do it.
29.Joyfulness – Maintaining an attitude , even
when faced with unpleasant conditions.
30.Justice – Taking personal responsibility to
uphold what is pure , right and true.
31.Loyalty – Using difficult times to demonstrate
commitment to those being served.
32.Meekness – Yielding personal right and
expectations with a desire to serve.
33.Obedience – Quickly and cheerfully carrying out
the direction of the superior.
34.Orderliness – Arranging self and surroundings
to achieve greater efficiency.
35.Patience – Accepting a difficult situation
without giving a deadline to removed it.
36.Persuasiveness- Guiding vital truths around
other’s mental roadblocks.
37.Punctuality – Showing esteem for others by
doing the right thing at the right time.
38.Resourcefulness – Finding practical uses for that
which others would overlook or discard.
39.Responsibility – Knowing and doing what is
expected.
40.Sensitivity – Perceiving the true attitudes and
emotion of others.
41.Security - Structuring one’s life around that which
cannot be destroyed or taken away.
42.Self- Control – Rejecting wrong desires and doing
what is right.
43.Sincerity – Eagerness to do what is right with
transparent motives.
44.Thoroughness – Knowing that factors will diminish the
effectiveness of ones work or words if neglected.
45.Thriftiness – Allowing oneself and others to spend only
what is necessary.
46.Tolerance – Realizing that everyone is at
varying levels of character development.
47.Truthfulness – Earning future trust by
accurately reporting past facts.
48.Virtue – The moral excellence evident in one’s life
as consistently doing what is right.
49.Wisdom – Seeing and responding to life situations
from a perspective that transcends current
circumstances.
Thank you!!!