What is good moral character?

Question

Were you formally taught it?

If so, how has it affected your life?

How would it help society?

Would it effectively reduce crime?

http://www.civitas.org.uk/blog/2004/12/are_the_figures_of_recorded_cr.html

Answer 1

A lot of people have morals. The question is will they use it on their life...

Answer 2

Good moral character is doing the right thing for the right reason.  The right reason is NOT for hope of reward (including rewards of good feelings) nor from fear of punishment.  

Outside of God, we cannot define what the right reason would be.  

Answer 3

Good moral character in a person comes most of the time from religion or as a gift from God.  Yes I was taught the Ten Commandments early by my parents and church.  Although no one ever lived the Ten Commandments 100% except Jesus it is still something I strive for.  

It brought me into extreme conflict with people in the work place who do not live by principles except what is best for them since that is all they care about not even their own company.  They cared not for laws as long as they did not get caught.  Yes they were criminals who were even willing to commit murder.

My opinion is that if more people had a moral compass that this would be a better world.

Answer 4

I think part of that is manners and yes, I was brought up to respect my elders, to help where help is needed and it feels good to do the right thing. It has helped me in  my adult life as people more and more are surprised when I open the door for them, help a neighbor or bring a gift to some lonely old person. I am certain that we would have less crime and a tightly knit community if our children all were raised this way. I have three children and family, even strangers often comment on how well my kids behave. How sad, I think to myself. They behave as they should and they should be the norm, not the exception.