ASIDES

It has been suggested that all great literature and film has at the core a morality play. The Western movie was about the good guys versus the bad guys. The white and black hats were symbols. But their behaviors caused the conflicts. In the end the good won out over the bad. Likewise many science fiction novels and movies have conflicts in settings that are far into the future. These resonate with the reader or viewer because they are a reflection of the internal struggles we all face individually and see around us.

One of my favorite pastimes is to watch biographies on video. And repeatedly the commentator plus those who are interviewed mention key character qualities that were dominant in the person’s life. It was due to these qualities that the person was able to achieve excellence in their field. This includes invention, business, military, sports, music, teaching, etc.

When seeking to fill a position of leadership in a church or corporation and the candidates have equal qualifications, then the person who is hiring would be wise to put much weight on the character qualities that the references mentioned or can be understood from detailed interviews.

When I was reviewing and revising these lists it occurred to me that people have said that their dog, cat or horse has exhibited such qualities.