Character 

An inescapable truth lies at the heart of this simple yet profound book: The quality of our lives is not determined by the happenstance of genetics or by the influence of environment; it is not measured in material possessions or in the trappings of youth; it is not dependent on personality or social acclaim. On the contrary, the intrinsic value of the lives we lead reflects the strength of a single trait: our personal character. Character Is Destiny, a sort of self-help guide for the soul, shows how we can lead richer lives simply by being better people.

Russel W Gough, a nationally prominent writer and speaker, describes the steps to personal growth - from examining our lives to taking responsibility for our actions, from discarding selfishness to embracing the greater good, from becoming a better role model for our loved ones to finding the courage to do the right thing naturally and consistently. By cultivating the habits of virtue, we will strengthen not only ourselves but, more important, our families and our world. This book shows how to overcome the most formidable obstacle to an ethical life: ourselves.

Each and every day we are faced with scores of choices that, in subtle yet discernible ways, can either enrich or impoverish our personal character. The choices we make, and the manner in which we make them, illuminate the paths our lives will take. Character Is Destiny can be our compass.

Russel W Gough is professor of ethics and philosophy at Pepperdine University. He lectures frequently across the country and is a chairman for the annual White House Conference on Character Building. His articles on ethics and character have appeared in the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and elsewhere. In addition, he is the author of the book Character Is Everything: Promoting Ethical Excellence in Sports. Professor Gough lives with his family in Newbury Park, California.

Taken from the inside flaps.

Praise for Character Is Destiny

"Living, as we do, in an era of tolerance and entitlement, it is easy to dismiss the struggles of character as beside the pint. There is the illusion that character is a little quaint, that ingenuity or cleverness can spare us from its demands. But this profound book reminds us how utterly central character is to all else in life. Certainly it implies that any social reform without a commitment to character building as its foundation is doomed to fail. I plan to stay in touch with this book for many years." - Shelby Steele, author of The Content of Our Character

"A provocative and important work. For anyone concerned with the moral decline of the nation and looking for the prescription for cure, this is a good place to start. Cogently and lucidly written. An invaluable read." - Yitta Halberstam, coauthor of Small Miracles

"This book speaks directly to the moral crisis of our time. It is written with great conviction and eloquence - without being preachy. It is a book educators, parents, and just good people will not want to miss." - Amitai Etzioni, author of The Spirit of Community

"Reading Character Is Destiny is like listening to a trusted friend giving you hearfelt, character-building advice. Its wise, passionate, and down-to-earth message will not only show you how and why but will make you want to improve the ethical quality of your everyday life. Take its message to heart and you will undoubtedly grow as a person of character." - Jack Canfield, coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Soul series

"Russ Gough has accomplished something very rare: A college professor has written a book in real English for real people on the most important subject of all - character. I congratulate him. This is the proverbial required reading book for high school and college students, and their parents; in other words, for everyone." - Dennis Prager, radio talk-show host and author of Think a Second Time

Taken from the back cover.