Standalone Essays · Triad of Stewardship

Character and Commitment

Observe in Silence

Don’t prioritize words; words are often just a performance. Watch instead what people return to. Their habits and reflexes are the true map of their soul. Observe who they become when they are exhausted, when they are tempted, or when they believe no one is watching.

The company people keep reveals their hunger. The way they seek pleasure reveals their inner peace. Most importantly, watch their strategies: how they navigate conflict, scarcity, and power. A person of character does not perform goodness; they embody it, especially when it is difficult or invisible. Character is not found in the occasional exception—it is found in the consistent pattern.

The Daily Building of the Self

Laws can restrain a hand, but they cannot prevent a heart from turning cold. No rule, threat, or punishment can force you to be good; that is a daily, internal choice.

True character is forged in the quiet moments:

To speak when silence would be safer.
To help when you are owed nothing.
To walk away from the easy path because it leads the wrong way.

Goodness is not a label you wear; it is a practice you maintain. Every time you choose kindness without a reward, integrity without applause, or courage without backup, you are not just doing good—you are becoming good.

This is the Sojourner’s work: Not to reach a destination of perfection, but to walk the path with hands clean enough to help the next person rise.

Character Against the Current

The good will be good, regardless of their moral context. No matter how many virtuous people surround them, the bad will be bad. This seems to run counter to the idea of social pressure, but while it’s true that social pressure can shape behavior to a certain extent, I’ve come to believe that the individuals’ inherent moral character is ultimately more significant in determining their actions. Someone with a strong sense of right and wrong will likely continue to act in accordance with their values, even in an environment where those values are not widely shared. Conversely, an individual with weak moral principles may be swayed by social pressure to act in ways that they know are wrong, regardless of whether they are surrounded by virtuous people or not.

This reveals the limits of John Dewey’s dream of educating the masses into morality, and of the idea that society can legislate morality. Dewey’s vision of education as a means of fostering morality, and the idea that laws can create a more virtuous society, both rely on the assumption that external influences can fundamentally change a person’s nature. However, people’s general tendencies are likely to shine through, regardless of the rules and regulations they are subject to. While education can certainly help individuals to better understand ethical principles and the consequences of their actions, it may not necessarily transform someone with a fundamentally selfish or malevolent disposition into a paragon of virtue.

One Decision at a Time

Each person must choose to be good and actively resist evil one decision at a time. This reveals how Sojournism regards the religious idea of “conversion”: it may not be sufficient on its own to create lasting moral transformation. In many religious traditions, conversion is seen as a pivotal moment in which an individual turns away from sin and embraces a new life of righteousness. However, Sojournism’s perspective is that moral development is not a one-time event, but rather a continuous process of reflection, growth, and decision-making. By framing the pursuit of virtue as a series of ongoing choices, Sojournism acknowledges that even those who have undergone a religious conversion may still struggle with moral dilemmas and temptation. It recognizes that the development of moral character requires ongoing effort, self-awareness, and commitment to one’s values.

Comforts Are Waystations, Not Destinations

Give up the idea that you should make comfort your priority. There is an advantage to considering comforts accidental byproducts—waystations rather than destinations. By viewing comforts and luxuries as “accidental byproducts,” we acknowledge that they are not guaranteed or essential for a fulfilling life. This can help us avoid becoming overly attached to material possessions or status symbols, which can lead to disappointment, stress, and a sense of emptiness. Instead, we should focus on the journey itself, pursuing our passions, and striving for growth and self-improvement. When we view comforts and luxuries as “waystations” rather than “destinations,” we are less likely to become sidetracked or distracted by the pursuit of material wealth and more likely to find lasting satisfaction and happiness.

Commitment: Determination Over IQ

Determination usually trumps IQ in the long run. This is not merely a hope; there is evidence to support it. Psychologist Angela Duckworth has conducted extensive research on the concept of “grit,” which she defines as “passion and perseverance for long-term goals.” Her studies have found that grit is a stronger predictor of success than IQ in various domains, including academic achievement, military retention, and business. Research has also shown that the personality trait of conscientiousness, which is closely related to determination and self-discipline, is a strong predictor of academic and job performance, as well as health and longevity. One seminal work that comes to mind is the research of Paul Costa and Robert McCrae, who developed the Big Five personality traits model (also known as the Five Factor Model or FFM); their research has shown that conscientiousness is a strong predictor of academic and job performance, as well as health and longevity. Another influential work on this topic is the research of Brent Roberts and his colleagues, who conducted a meta-analysis of studies on personality traits and work performance, and found that conscientiousness was the strongest predictor of overall job performance. Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck has popularized the concept of “growth mindset,” which emphasizes the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication. Studies have shown that a growth mindset can lead to greater motivation, perseverance, and achievement, even among those with lower IQ scores.

The Curse of Competence

Smart people who are accustomed to quickly understanding complex concepts and solving problems with ease may sometimes struggle when faced with a challenge that doesn’t yield an immediate solution. This is sometimes referred to as the “curse of competence,” where individuals who have experienced consistent success may become complacent or overconfident in their abilities. This can lead to a lack of perseverance or resilience when encountering difficult tasks, as they may not have developed the mental “grit” necessary to continue pushing forward in the face of setbacks. Even the brightest minds may encounter challenges that require sustained effort and determination.

The Four Elements of Success

The Compass lists four elements that it deems necessary to success: deep thinking, careful deliberation, decisive action, and persistence. Obviously luck plays a part too—but as they say, “luck favors the prepared mind.”

Commitment and Ableism

Commitment also means standing with those the world is quick to dismiss. Ableism refers to the discrimination, prejudice, or mistreatment of people based on their physical, mental, or developmental abilities. It can manifest in various ways, including:

Negative stereotypes and assumptions about people with disabilities or mental health conditions.
Physical or social barriers that make it difficult for people with disabilities to access education, employment, healthcare, or public spaces.
Language or imagery that is derogatory, offensive, or dehumanizing toward people with disabilities.
The belief that people with disabilities are less valuable or deserving of respect and dignity than able-bodied individuals.
Failure to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities in social, educational, or professional settings.

Ableism is a form of oppression that can have serious consequences for people with disabilities, as it can limit their opportunities, undermine their self-esteem, and contribute to social isolation and marginalization. Sojourners demonstrate the virtue of commitment in the face of it by actively challenging ableist attitudes, advocating for inclusive practices and policies, and acknowledging the full humanity of people with disabilities.

Part of the Triad of Stewardship’s Standalone Essays. Companion pieces: Forgiveness and Its Limits (forthcoming) · The Mandates of Conflict · Criminal Justice.