On: April 10, 2011

Many confuse having good character with being a good citizen. They aren’t the same. It would be similar to saying that having good character is the same as being a good parent or being a good manager.

Good citizenship relates to the nature of one’s actions such as doing things that remind us of our heritage or involve us in the democratic process.

Good character relates to the quality of one’s actions such as acting in a manner that is honorable, courageous, compassionate, and/or ethical.

Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, said “It’s not always the same thing to be a good man and a good citizen.”