Character Happens! The 5 Most Important—But Fleeting Virtues; discusses the virtues, Honesty, Integrity, Courage, Compassion, Humility, and why these virtues are becoming sporadic in use and diminishing from individual personal character. The books message is one of aiding the individual in recognizing this “fleeting” nature...and from that...reinstitute a more virtuous choice in decision-making. The book may change your life!Click to enlarge book cover.
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The books title reflects a paradox of two words; Character Happens, with “S### Happens”* (decorum prevents use of actual word). The title is not without merit as observation of present day human character, I believe, is much like s### and incredibly disconcerting for many of us. Perhaps you included. Individuals make virtuous and un-virtuous choices or decisions for innumerable reasons. Individuals make these decisions both consciously and unconsciously (at least without deep thought). Is it possible for an individual make a 'more' virtuous choice in life’s decisions should they want to do so? Answer—perhaps (I'm still not sure how all those neuron-firings affect cognition, learned behavior, et. al.). However, if a person desired to 'reinstitute a more virtuous decision choice' into their personal makeup, making it more automatic than normal—could they, how? Answer—practice. With a concerted effort at 'practice' I believe...an individual might just develop a more 'repetitive' decent response...much like grooving a golf swing.
I love golf. I think the game is like no other. That's why the five stories making up Character Happens! have a golf storyline. Some readers may not be able to relate to the game of golf or its vernacular—so I included a glossary of golf terms. Additionally, it’s why people, a large number of people, love golf. Don’t play—too bad. You should try it sometime because it’s more than a game, it can be a life experience—an experience where your character is not only tested—but revealed.
Golf is a game played by the individual as opposed to being a member of a team, like baseball. Baseball has umpires who enforce the rules of the game. In golf you are the umpire. Because of this unique method of enforcing the games rules—golf is a 'hotbed' for testing the players character...their honesty, their integrity, their courage and sometimes their compassion. And, because all golfers started from knowing nothing about the game; like how to swing, how to putt or chip... they also learn of humility. Now doesn’t it make perfect sense that a book about character would juxtaposition a storyline with the game of golf? Anyway, I thought so.
There are five stories, one for each virtue. The book has six main characters that make up a group that I call 'golf buddies.' The storyteller, Spencer Madison, in reality is me. Well, somewhat like me...as I have a better golf game than Spencer. The five others are varied and diverse as you could ever imagine. They differ in age, gender, education, religious beliefs and definitely personality. The 'binder' or glue of the group is...golf.
The reader may discover their own similar incident with one of the story’s in Character Happens! If not, that’s okay too...as the stories are earnest while humorous, carefree yet compelling. I believe each chapter or story in the book makes a critical 'point' in this wonderful, wacky, dynamic world in the 21st century. If you enjoy reading Character Happens! let me know . If you don’t enjoy the book, I'm sorry. Let me know how to improve the 2nd edition.
Thanks for your purchase of the book. I promise your money is well spent.
Garry M. Graves, Author, Character Happens! The 5 Most Important—But Fleeting Virtues.
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The stories are fictional as are the characters. Names, personalities or incidents are fictional and in no way resemble or refer to a living person. I’ve used paraphrasing of many authors’ ideas and concepts and have referenced them in a special section. Because of these references and the specific genre where the book is to be found (in a bookstore or library), it’s categorized as a non-fictional, personal development book.
*...sorry for the language but this word best describes the thought I want to convey. In the movie Forrest Gump, the term was used to describe situations that happen to all people for no particular reason.
