The thing about having excellent character is that it is valuable only to you, your loved ones, and those with whom you come into contact. It will not necessarily make you a star or put wealth, fame, and celebrity status on your side; but those things have been known to fizzle and often last only fifteen minutes – then the supporters and fans disappear “like snow upon the desert’s dusty face, which lighting a little hour or two, is gone.” (paraphrased from the “Rubaiyat” by Omar Khayyam).

We all would love wealth and the security that comes with it, but if it means sacrificing character in order to get there, it may not be worthwhile. Character will always keep those who value you as a human being around you – and you’ll sleep better at night knowing that you did not trade your self-worth for valuables that can disappear in an hour like the snow upon a desert that the famed Persian philosopher Omar Khayyam mentions, even though he was referring to worldly hopes, not characrer, in those specific verses.

Indeed, good character is worth more than money in the bank…and you are the only one in control of how long it lasts.