How Conversation Builds Character

Today's blog post is based on an article from The Art of Manliness and ties in with yesterday's blog post.

Character is something that's seriously missing in today's society.

Much has been said as to how a technology-driven reduction in our face-to-face interactions may be negatively impacting our physical health and mental happiness. In the absence of strong relationships, anxiety, depression, and likely certain diseases as well, have been on the upswing. 

While the negative psychological and physiological effects which result from the loss of face-to-face conversation are worthy of continual cognizance, this trend begets another deleterious impact which goes overlooked: a diminishment in character. 

While we often think of character as something that’s exclusively forged, if not in big crises, than in decisions with clear moral weight, it can in fact be developed in any of our ordinary, everyday activities. How we carry out everything we do, radiates effects both outwardly and inwardly. While this is true of any habit, it is particularly true of conversation. In fact, given its daily accessibility, its repeatability — allowing for practice, correction, refinement — and the numerous, varied virtues it calls upon and exercises, face-to-face conversation constitutes one of the best ways of training the human soul.

Below we illuminate the many qualities of character that can be built through active, effortful participation in conversation:

• Self-Control
• Focus
• A Bias Towards Effort and Action
• Calm Composure
• Humility
• Powers of Observation
• Decreased Self-Absorption
• Creativity
• Courage
• Curiosity and Openness
• Generosity
• Self-Awareness
• Improvisation
• Rightly Ordered Loves
• Influence
• Empathy
• Ensouls Others

If you're anything like me, you noticed that almost all of that is lacking in our society, whether society in general or our elected officials.

With all the above qualities, the arrows of conversation work both ways. 

Cultivating inner decorum leads to outward decorum. Generosity of spirit leads to generosity of speech. A well-ordered mind leads to a well-ordered exchange. 

At the same time, as conversations call upon qualities of patience and courage, effort and creativity, humility and influence, these virtues are honed through practice. 

Conversation then both requires character, and refines it. Available to us daily, such exercise strengthens the soul of the individual, and the heart of society. The health of family, town, state, and country, ultimately emerges from the skill and art, the power and pleasure, of one-on-one exchanges.

Be sure to read the article since he delves into each of the above qualities.

Interesting days

Today - Bad Poetry Day, Never Give Up Day, Pinot Noir Day, Serendipity Day and Mail Order Catalog Day

Tomorrow - International Orangutan Day, Photography Day, Potato Day, International Bow Day, Humanitarian Day and Aviation Day

Next Tuesday - Kiss And Make Up Day, Banana Split Day and Whiskey Sour Day

September 18 - Tradesmen Day, Cheeseburger Day, Hug Your Boss Day, First Love Day, Concussion Awareness Day, Grenache Day, Hug A Greeting Card Writer Day, Respect Day and Water Monitoring Day