The “Six Pillars of Character” are a framework for ethical decision-making. These pillars are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Let’s take a closer look at each of these concepts and how they work together to build character.
Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness means being honest and having integrity. It means you act reliably, do what you say you’re going to do, and are true to your principles. People who are trustworthy tell the truth, even when it’s hard, and they don’t deceive, cheat, or steal.
Respect
Respect means showing consideration for others. It means treating people with courtesy, even when you disagree with them. Respect involves accepting people’s differences and avoiding prejudice.
When you demonstrate respect, you show that you value the inherent worth of other people.
Responsibility
Responsibility means being accountable for what you do.
When you’re responsible, you:
- fulfill your obligations
- show that you’re reliable
- take ownership of your mistakes
Fairness
Fairness means acting justly and impartially. It means treating everyone the same, staying open to different points of view, and avoiding bias.
When people act fairly, they create a more equitable and harmonious environment for everyone.
Caring
Caring means showing empathy and compassion. It means being kind, compassionate, and supportive. A caring person feels for the suffering of others and tries to relieve it. They treat everyone with respect and dignity and offer help to those in need.
Citizenship
Citizenship, as one of the Six Pillars of Character, means having civic virtue and being responsible to the community. It means getting involved and participating, staying informed, voting in elections, and protecting the environment.
There are lots of ways to practice good citizenship. You might volunteer in your community, help out a neighbor, or join a local clean-up effort. Citizenship is important because it helps build successful adults who care about the world around them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 6 pillars of character in 4-H?
The 4-H program doesn’t explicitly define “6 pillars of character,” but it focuses on developing responsible, caring, and contributing citizens. Its core principles include the 4 H’s: Head (managing, thinking), Heart (relating, caring), Hands (giving, working), and Health (being, living). These principles foster character development.
What are the 6 pillars of character according to the Josephson Institute?
The Josephson Institute’s 6 Pillars of Character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Trustworthiness includes honesty, integrity, promise-keeping, and loyalty. Respect means treating others with courtesy and valuing their worth. Responsibility emphasizes accountability and pursuing excellence. Fairness involves impartiality and justice. Caring reflects empathy and compassion. Citizenship highlights civic duties and community involvement.
Putting It All Together
The Six Pillars of Character — trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship — are more than just a list of good qualities. They’re essential for personal growth and for creating a healthy society.
When you put these pillars together, they form a strong foundation for your moral compass, helping you make the right choices in every situation.