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Quote by Marjorie Garber

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Character: The History of a Cultural Obsession

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Marjorie Garber
Marjorie Garber

Marjorie Garber is a renowned American professor of literature and gender studies. Born on June 11, 1944, she is known for her research on gender, culture, and literature. more

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“These debates framed and energized educational and philosophical schemes throughout that century and well into the following one. What was at stake was in part the very divergent, often intrinsically antithetical set of meanings that constellated around, and crystallized in, the concept of the word "character." Was it intrinsic or acquired? Could it be taught? Was a "strong character" one that acted or one that withheld? And, above all, could it change? For, if human character could be changed- or could change itself- for the better, was it not the obligation of society and the individual, the schools and the home, to do what they could to "improve" it?”

“So, character is how you do things, as well as what you do, and a person of character understands that how they get things done matters as much as what they get done. Character is about integrity over time, trustworthiness over time, authenticity over time, generosity over time. Sometimes you’ll hear people talk a lot about values in conjunction with the word character, and I always say to people that values are what guide your behavior when no one is looking and you don’t think anyone will ever find out. The way you behave when you think you can get away with it is who you really are.”

“The Anti-Fanaticism Sonnet Acceptance begets harmony, Reason begets solution. Solidarity conquers agony, Character conquers differentiation. Humility brings sanity, Forgiveness brings serenity. Patience breeds tenacity, Conscience breeds sanctity. Observation causes insight, Questions cause evolution. Self-correction facilitates might, Self-reliance facilitates ascension. So wake up and trample all fanaticism, Only then we'll be free from sectarianism.”