Character Quotables: Authenticity
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“What’s a man’s first duty? The answer’s brief: To be himself.”
“Never regret anything you have done with a sincere affection; nothing is lost that is born of the heart.”
“Say what you mean and act how you feel, because those who matter don’t mind, and those who mind don’t matter.”
“We are all unique, and have our own special place in the puzzle of the universe.”
“That which is to be most desired in America is oneness and not sameness. Sameness is the worst thing that could happen to the people of this country. To make all people the same would lower their quality, but oneness would raise it.”
“It may take courage to embrace the possibilities of your own potential, but once you’ve flown past the summit of your fears, nothing will seem impossible.”
“Sincerity – if you can fake that, you’ve got it made.”
“Smiling away your troubles requires a clear conscience that harbors no insincerity.”
“Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.”
“You’re amazing just the way you are.”
“I am the me I choose to be.”
“I wanted what everyone wants. To be me, full-time.”
“Be yourself. The world worships the original.”
“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”
“True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.”
“Whatever you are, be a good one.”
“He does not believe that does not live according to his belief.”
“Be content to seem what you are.”
“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.”
“There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.”
“Risk itself is a process of constant unfolding. And taking risks is the process of peeling back the layers of what you are and who you want to be.”
“Finally I am coming to the conclusion that my highest ambition is to be what I already am.”
“Never try to be someone else’s definition of beautiful. You have to define beautiful for yourself.”
“When pure sincerity forms within, it is outwardly realized in other people’s hearts.”
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
“A man can never hope to be more than he is if he is not first honest about what he isn’t.”
“It’s discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit.”
“What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when you bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen.”
“It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.”
“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.”
“What is uttered from the heart alone, Will win the hearts of others to your own.”
“He does not believe that does not live according to his belief.”
“Sincerity gives wings to power.”
“We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.”
“Be so completely yourself that everyone else feels safe to be themselves, too.”
“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”
“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”
“Just follow your joy. Always. I think that if you do that, life will take you on the course that it’s meant to take you.”
“One thing you can’t hide – is when you’re crippled inside.”
“What comes from the heart goes to the heart”
“Be sincere, Be brief, Be seated.”
“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”
“No one is you, and that is your power.”
“My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant to be your own person, be independent.”
“What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.”
How can you use Quotes?
Start a discussion: Quotes can start a discussion about a character trait at the beginning of a meeting or the dinner table. You can ask questions about what it means, how they have seen the trait demonstrated in their own lives, or how they can develop it themselves.
Provide a model: Quotes can provide a model of good character. When you read a quote from a famous person or historical figure, you show that people they admire also value the same character traits.
Use quotes as writing/journal prompts: Ask them to write a short essay about a quote to help them think more deeply about its implications for their lives.
Post quotes: You can post quotes where they will be seen/heard often – classroom, breakroom, lobby, dining room, email signatures, video bulletin boards, morning announcements, social media, etc.
Read quotes aloud: You can read quotes aloud to your children during mealtimes, bedtime, or any other time you spend together.
Make it fun: You can make it even more fun by incorporating games, activities, or crafts. Let children decorate signs with the quotes to hang in the classroom or a bedroom door. Record children saying it and post it on social media.