Talent Without Character

There is an old phrase, of unidentified origin, which says “talent without character is more to be dreaded than esteemed.” Using character in its meaning of moral responsibility, we would extend the statement further: Authority without character is more to dreaded than esteemed. Money without character, power without character, knowledge without character, science without character, men without character—all are more to be dreaded than esteemed. Ours is a day in which inestimable forces have been placed in the hands of men, and our fears have multiplied. But there is no material object or physical force in the world that is evil in and of itself. They could all be used for man’s blessing as well as for man’s extermination. The real source of our fears is frequently overlooked. Our problems are human problems, not material problems. Even a club or a stone—or even bare hands—are a menace in the possession of a man without character. Our worry is with men, not with things. The sirens of mythology used the sweetness of their voices to entice men to doom and destruction. Shall we say then that a sweet and lovely voice is an evil thing? The gift that enables a man to write an inspiring masterpiece may also empower him, if his thoughts are evil, to write debasing filth. The gift that enables an artist to depict a hallowed scene may also, if abused, permit him to perpetuate a lewd subject. The power of persuasion that moves men to good works may, in the possession of a false leader, move them to false ways. Talent without character is indeed to be dreaded. Any object or energy, any power or force, anything in the world used without moral responsibility, is to be dreaded. The real measure of goodness or badness is the use to which men put their time, their tools, their talents. The real fears are fears of men; the real problems are human problems. And if we can get men to be what they should be, we can bring heaven on earth and live free of the fear of any physical force.